Leaving Certificate Results 2010
Irish Second-Level Students’ UnionPRESS STATEMENT *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Leaving Certificate Results 2010 17/08/‘10
Thousands of young people across the country are anxiously awaiting the release of this year’s Leaving Cert results tomorrow. However, it would be interesting to see how these students would fare in comparison to their results from June if they were to sit the same or similar exam papers again tomorrow with no further revision. It cannot be denied that the current Irish second-level examinations system encourages rote-learning to such an extent that it is detrimental to our students, affecting their ability to adapt at third-level and therefore, it is difficult not to question the knowledge retention of our students in thinking that the majority of students would fare less favourably if they were to sit the exams again beginning tomorrow, a mere two months on from the initial sitting of the exams.The ISSU once again calls on the Minister for Education and Skills to reconsider the review of the Leaving Certificate which was shelved earlier in the year due to its estimated cost of €100 million. The preliminary findings of the ESRI/NCCA Post-Primary Longitudinal Study further highlight that the current system is too burdensome on our young people causing high levels of stress; it is clear that a system which places a greater emphasis on continuous assessment would be more favourable in this regard and for a variety of other reasons. We need to encourage more creative and dynamic learning at second-level, the ability to rote-learn a paragraph isn’t a fundamental life-skill.The current Leaving Certificate doesn’t adequately prepare students for third-level or life outside of education so although the initial cost of an overhaul may seem high, the eventual benefits to our students and to the ‘knowledge-economy’ that the government so often states that it strives for will far out-weigh the initial cost. The ISSU would like to wish all those receiving their results tomorrow, the very best of luck and urges students not to panic and to make good use of the various exam help lines and other sources of advice and information available to them.__ENDS__Notes to Editor:ISSU is the national umbrella body for school Student Councils, aiming to represent and connect Irish second-level students the length and breadth of the country, ensuring that the voice of the Irish second-level student is heard and striving for innovation and democracy within the education system. ISSU is a not-for profit student rights organisation.At ISSU we believe that young people are not merely citizens in waiting - we deserve better, we deserve to be heard. We can and will contribute positively to society. It is so important that our voices, views and opinions are (i) heard (ii) listened to (iii) and most importantly respected. This is what ISSU is all about. We’re here for you.Our main aims include:
- To provide training and development of second-level school Student Councils, in conjunction with relevant bodies.
- To develop policies on issues affecting Irish second-level students and bring the needs and rights of students to the attention of the relevant authorities.
- To provide a transparent, democratic and reliable organisation.
- To work in collaboration with other educational institutions and bodies both in Ireland and Europe.
- To work closely with educational curriculum policy makers and teachers’ unions to continually develop a transparent, fair and modern education system.
- And most importantly, to give students a structured platform through which the voice of the Irish second-level student will be heard.
ISSU represents students at a national level and is affiliated to; the WHEEL, NYCI, Anna Lindh Foundation, Stand up for Education Alliance,Children’s Mental Health Coalition and the Children’s Rights Alliance. On an international level, ISSU works closely with OBESSU. ISSU also works with curriculum development teams and various advisory bodies.
Students Representing Students
At ISSU we promote active citizenship and empowerment of student voice. We feel that is crucially important that Young People have a say in their education and in issues that affect them. We can and will influence chance. Second-Level Students' are at the heart of ISSU and their interests' is the ground beneath ISSU stands. Your voice is ISSU's voice. For students - by students.Contact the ISSU team: studentvoice@issu.ieHave your say. Step up. Infulence change - don't wait around for someone else to do it. Student voice at it's best
Student Voice is ALIVE. Student Voice is REAL. Student Voice is ISSU.
"Your voice - your right, not citizens in waiting"
“Is anybody going to listen?”
ISSU PRESS RELEASE 24/02/10
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union feels that the inadequate mental health facilities in second-level schools are severely damaging the wellbeing of our students. At present, there is very little support available in schools for students who are going through tough times. ISSU is campaigning for specialised and dedicated mental health counsellors to be introduced to second-level schools; we are fast falling behind the majority of European countries in this regard.The age at which young people are in second-level education is the age range during which many young people first experience problems associated with mental health and wellbeing thus it is essential that in all schools, there are adequate supports to support students experience difficulties in relation to mental health. A report published by Amnesty International today states that mental health is costing the state 3 billion per year. By supporting students at second level and dealing with mental health difficulties with early intervention, ISSU feels that in the long term the state will save millions. We have to care for or young people of today, the generation of tomorrow. Not only will they save millions but it will allow young people’s mental health problems to be dealt with and managed in a setting that is safe and familiar to them. This early intervention will allow young people to lead happier lives. We’ve suffered in silence for long enough. We need change. Is anybody going to listen?
Dáil na nÓg 2010 - see you there.
Two hundred young people will be discussing the issues of ‘Equality of Access to Education’ and ‘Mental Health’ when they attend the annual Dáil na nÓg on March 5th in the Croke Park Conference Centre. This annual event is the climax for the Dáil na nÓg Council for 2009 where they can present their work for 2009, and new elections take place for the 2010 Dáil na nÓg Council. Dáil na nÓg is our national youth parliament and it fosters a can do attitude among Young People, allowing them to get involved in issues affecting them - and debate these important issues. Dáil na nÓg is an innative of the 'Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs' - and is organised by the 'National Youth Council of Ireland', supported by 'Youth Work Ireland' and 'Foróige'.ISSU will be there on the day, so if your a delegate travelling to Dublin on March 5th - be sure to drop by and say "hi".
It's time to REACHOUT.com
[pro-player width='530' height='253' type='video']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dElzyE_6oo,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FUu3lyp484,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhex4Zux87o[/pro-player]
ReachOut.com is a new online resource that inspires young people to help themselves through tough times. The site offers practical information through fact sheets, blogs and stories on a number of issues that affect young people. The site also allows young people to interact online with each other forming an online community of young people where serious and real issues are discussed these include mental health, School and College, Relationships and sex, Anger and violence and many more issues that affect young people. Check it out on http://ie.reachout.com
[pro-player width='530' height='253' type='video']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FUu3lyp484&feature=channel[/pro-player]
[pro-player width='530' height='253' type='video']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhex4Zux87o[/pro-player]