Resignation of NSE Secretary, Matthew Colgan
Notice of Resignation to ISSU Membership:
The Monitoring and Advisory Committee (MAC) note the resignation of 2020-2021 NSE Secretary, Matthew Colgan. This resignation was accepted is in line with article 9.6 of the ISSU Constitution.
Kerry Mental Health Association Survey Results
ISSU Kerry Regional Officers Kacper and Elizabeth recently collaborated with the Kerry Mental Health Association and Munster Technological Association on a survey of Leaving Cert students in County Kerry.
Some of the key finds of the survey include;
99% indicated that Covid-19 had created stress for them.
86% of the respondents felt that Covid-19 had worsened their mental health, with over one third, 37% reporting that it had worsened their mental health significantly.
90% of the respondents reported being very or extremely worried with regards the uncertainty of the Leaving Certificate taking place in July 2021, with over two thirds, 65% being extremely worried.
90% of students were worried about the increased competition for 3rd Level places in 2021.
73% of students said that when they are stressed, they feel their most important form of contact for their mental well-being is face-to-face contact.
A video report of the survey findings can be seen below.
The full report of the survey can be read here.
ISSU Live with Minister for Education Norma Foley
Join the ISSU in discussion with the Minister for Education Norma Foley.
This Thursday (March 4th) we will be asking students’ most-asked questions to the Minister. The Live will be streamed at 5:30pm on this page, and also on the ISSU Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
The video will be available to view afterwards here.
ISSU to Hold Extraordinary Assembly (EGM)
The National Student Executive of the ISSU has called for an Extraordinary Assembly (EGM) to take place on March 31st for the following purposes
Approval of new ISSU Constitution
Approval of Annual Assembly Procedure Document
Directive Policy proposals not discussed at Annual Assembly 2020
Further details and the link to register can be found at https://www.issu.ie/extraordinary-assembly
ISSU Welcomes and Supports State Exams Decision
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) welcomes and supports today’s announcement by Minister for Education Norma Foley that Leaving Certificate 2021 students will have a choice between SEC accredited grades, written exams, or both. We also welcome the clarity that has been provided to Junior Cycle students.
Since the beginning of the state exams negotiations, the ISSU has consistently called for Clarity, Choice and Compassion for students. We believe that these elements have now been taken into account by the Department and education stakeholders in the provisions for the 2021 Leaving Certificate.
ISSU Education Officer, Alicia O’Sullivan, today said: “We are delighted that students have finally received clarity about their state exams. We are also proud that we have delivered choice for students. As a stakeholder, we at the ISSU have brought pragmatic and realistic proposals to the table, many of which are evident in today’s announcement. The student voice has been heard in these negotiations, and we will continue to work to ensure that is always the case”.
The ISSU does, however, regret that students who opt-in to receive calculated grades will not receive them before the written examinations. Speaking about this, ISSU President, Reuban Murray stated: “We have repeatedly presented proposals and timelines to the Advisory Group and the State Exams Commission in an effort to provide these results to students before the written exams, however, it became apparent that this would be an impossible task. The ISSU will never advocate for unrealistic solutions that would give our members false hope.”
The ISSU will continue to engage with the Department of Education and education stakeholders through the Advisory Group on State Examinations to ensure that this process is as fair as possible for students. This will include pushing for fairer solutions with regard to the appeals system and further choice on written exam papers, as well as ensuring that the algorithm for calculated grades stands up to scrutiny.
ISSU Statement on the Withdrawal of ASTI from Bilateral Talks
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) is shocked and disappointed by the recent announcement of the ASTI that they have withdrawn from talks on the 2021 Leaving Cert.
This is a time when students need cooperation between all stakeholders. Students have been through a horrendous year and now may face an uphill battle in the months ahead - we need to show them compassion, we need to provide clarity, and the ISSU position remains that students deserve a choice.
Choice, Clarity, Compassion
This statement has caused stress, anxiety and worry to skyrocket amongst students. It is adding fear into an already high pressure situation, and the delivery of clarity for students has been further pushed out due to this breakdown in talks.
Over the past number of weeks, the ISSU has repeatedly asked to meet with the ASTI, among other stakeholders, to meet bilaterally. As of this statement, the ASTI has still not accepted this invitation. We will continue to seek a meeting with the ASTI following this announcement and wish to continue to engage with the process in order to deliver for students, teachers and all in the school community.
The ISSU continues to bring pragmatic solutions to the table that seek to address the concerns of the ASTI - as a stakeholder they have an equal responsibility to work together with the other stakeholders to find a solution.
As the representative voice for students, the ISSU wishes to stress that it is students that will be most affected by the decisions being made by the Department and its Advisory Group members. We need to do right by them, and show empathy.
The ISSU is committed to representing student voice in these extraordinary times and will deliver for the class of 2021.