I'm starting a petition again to the State Examinations Commission for extra time to be added to our Junior Cycle English exam 2019. The idea that even the most eloquent of English students could possibly be expected to finish the paper, and transfer all of their thoughts in a coherent manner as best as they can, is ludicrous. Please sign so that students can work to their full potential in this exam without trying to write at the speed of light.

To the SEC themselves: Concerns have been expressed about this before. As a democratic country, I would consider this your responsibility to listen to students (and indeed parents and teachers) and facilitate the exam timing in the best possible way. I'm not asking for a dramatic amount of time, just simply another half hour so that we can finish the exam. There is a reason over 17,000 people signed the petition made by Tara O'Sullivan last year - this examination has become something of a race against time, instead of a way to examine students on their English language skills.

I hope everyone will take the circumstances into consideration, and sign the petition so the voices of us, the students, can be heard loud and clear.