Up until recently, students only needed to learn 10 sraith pictiúr in Irish, a tradition that was in place since the adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic. This structure made it manageable for us to dive deeply into other necessary aspects of the subject. But now, we are being told that for the Leaving Cert 2027, the number of required sraith pictiúr has been doubled to 20. I am concerned about the additional pressure this will place on students like me, who are already struggling to balance our responsibilities.

With the introduction of other demanding projects in science subjects, students are at risk of crumbling under the ever-growing workload. Moreover, many of my peers are deterring from taking up Irish, or downgrading it as their seventh subject due to these overwhelming demands.

We appeal to Minister Helen McEntee to reconsider this decision. Keeping the required sraith pictiúr at a manageable number not only allows students to maintain their interest in Irish but also gives us the opportunity to focus on other critical parts of our education. Evidence from previous years shows that fewer students achieved higher grades when the burden was alleviated, and going back to that 10-sraith pictiúr requirement could encourage more students to embrace the language confidently.

The Leaving Cert is a pivotal moment in our lives that decides our future paths. It's crucial that adjustments to the curriculum consider the students’ holistic success and not just discipline in a single subject. By signing this petition, you are supporting thousands of students who aim for a balanced and enriching educational experience. Please join us in asking for a fairer approach to the Irish language component of the Leaving Cert. Your signature can make a significant difference for the class of 2027.