Dear Leaving Cert Students of 2021 and members of the general public,

I am composing this petition, in light of the recent decision made by the government to keep secondary schools open and host a leaving cert for 6th year students. This petition isn't a cry to the government to change anything, but rather for us, leaving certificate students, to change our ways.

I understand we've had an incredibly tough time over the last year, myself included as a 6th year student. The uncertainty surrounding our future examination, is no doubt incredibly stressful. Having said that, the backlash surrounding the decision to keep the schools open, is in my opinion very disappointing. The government have worked their hardest, to keep schools open and provide us with certainty surrounding our exam, following the catastrophe that was predicted grades. This backlash and outcry for the closure of schools and implementation of predicted grades, does nothing more than create more uncertainty. The government have stated very clearly, on numerous occasions that there will be a leaving cert exam held this summer. Pressuring them to do otherwise is counter-intuitive when arguing that the uncertainty is unfair. Our school system has not been designed to accurately predict a students overall academic capability and therefore predicted grades are not a feasible and fair solution.

Secondly I would like to argue against the closure of the schools. I have been seeing complaints everywhere among young people about the threat this reopening poses. NPHET have proven this point to be false. I find it extremely discouraging to hear all of these complaints about the threat of contracting the virus, when the very same people had no problem with congregating in large groups, pubs and restaurants, where the real threat lay only a week or so ago. Also, now that it will be only 6th year students attending school, until the virus is back under control, proper social distancing will be easily implemented in every school across the country. Also the mental health approach is again counter-intuitive as after the previous three months isolation has taught us, homeschooling is no better. The argument on behalf of school closures also does not take into account, those who are currently in a position that they cannot study or participate in online schooling.

I ask anyone who feels as though the leaving cert should be cancelled or schools be closed to offer alternative solutions rather than complain online and direct hatred towards the likes of Norma Foley. 

In light of the growing movement on behalf of the closure of schools and cancellation of the leaving cert, I have struggled to find a platform to express an opposing opinion. It is for this reason that I have made this petition. If you agree with the opinions expressed above, I urge you to spread some positivity and show thanks to the government for their prioritisation of leaving cert students. 

Any signatures would be greatly appreciated and act as a token of hope for me, that there are like-minded students out there feeling the same way I am.