After using the provided sample papers and completing mock exams many of my peers felt questions were at a fair doable level, however all agreed that the timing was ridiculous. Lots of students who faced this exam did not finish the paper and those who did had no time to assess and adjust their answers before having to hand up the paper. To give students the opportunity to express their thoughts and analysis as eloquently as expected, I truly believe more time is necessary. I am asking for thirty additional minutes to be added to the end of our English exam. Our teachers have expressed frustration on behalf of students and themselves but have seemed to be ignored.

As a democratic society that needs its people to be able to think and vote for themselves, I believe disregarding the opinions of its youth (especially in relation to education) is a terrible mistake.

As a future young voter I am disappointed by how little effect the dissatisfaction of students and teachers is having on the decisions being made by both the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and in the Dáil itself.

Everyone is affected by this problem, students who are going to take the exam, teachers and parents that have to deal with nerves that the uncertainty this exam has brought, the entire country that will deal with the decisions these students make as future voters.

By signing this petition you help students feel heard and give us the opportunity to make real change in our country.