New Leaving grading system delights Tallaght schools and students
By Alannah Kenny
SCHOOLS in Tallaght were delighted with this year’s Leaving Certificate results.
This was the first year that the new Leaving Certificate grading system had been introduced which sees As and Bs replaced by H1, H2 order grades. The pass level was also reduced from 40 per cent to 30 per cent as an incentive for more students to push for Higher Level.
Principal of Tallaght Community College, Teresa Hennessy, was thrilled to announce that several of her students scored 540 points or over in their results.
Ms Hennessy acknowledges the benefits of the new grading system, stating: “my first impression is that it’s a better system.” An increased number of students took on Higher Level subjects and succeeded in them in Tallaght Community College.
Principal Deric Mac An Bhaird of Coláiste de hÍde was also delighted with the overall results of his students, saying in regards to the grading methods: “I believe it will prove to be a fairer system.”
The Principal of St. Aidan’s Community School, Karen Quigley, also noted how all of her students “appeared to be very happy” and that many achieved over 400 points.
As to whether she considers that the new grading system had any influence over the results, Ms Quigley feels that it is too early to draw any significant conclusions but said that “hopefully it will work to the students’ advantage” in relation to the CAO points being released on Monday.
Principal Paul Crone of Old Bawn Community School heaped praise on one student in particular, Claudia George, who received 590 points in her Leaving Certificate results and hopes to study Medicine in University.
Mr. Crone stated “more students have gotten over 500 points this year than in the entire history of the school’s results”. He also notes that more students took on Higher Level subjects this year than last year.
He states that he is open to the new grading system in seeing where it takes students and feels that the academic dividends of giving students a boost to achieving their potential have paid off.
All Principals collectively stated the same thing, which is to stay safe during celebrations, wait and see what the CAO offers and don’t let your results define who you are either way.
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