The effects of the pandemic have been far-reaching, and one area that continues to grapple with these impacts is education, primarily in the matter of Leaving Cert grade inflation. Several facets of life have regained normalcy, but the education sector is still recovering.
Teacher-predicted grades in the years 2020 and 2021 caused a significant increase in grades, a consequential result of teachers’ desire to ensure the best for their students. In the midst of this, Education Minister Norma Foley has instructed that the aggregate grades should align with these escalated levels, which are, on average, 7 percentage points higher than pre-Covid rates.
Foley maintains that this approach was for the benefit of students who experienced disrupted education due to the pandemic. Yet, this has resulted in imbalance for others. The exorbitant grades have posed challenges for colleges in identifying brilliant students for high-ranking courses, leading to random selection. This unpredictability has been unjust for students who, despite receiving maximum points, missed out on opportunities.
There’s also been an impact on cross-border student mobility, as it has become more difficult for North Ireland’s students to get into republic universities given that A-level grades have returned to standard levels. Furthermore, elevated grades have created unrealistic expectations for some students who have found it difficult to keep up with tough college courses and ended up quitting.
While the UK has strived to restore normal grading in recent years, Foley intends to gradually eliminate grade inflation, targeting next year as a starting point. The aim is to achieve results falling between the levels of 2020 and 2021, with further modifications planned for the future based on the events of 2025.
In the process of implementing these changes, she is effectively leaving any further complications for her successor to handle. She has argued that current Leaving Cert students require extra support, given their unusual Junior Cycle experience.
Deflating grades is bound to be an unpopular decision. Some pupils next year might feel they’re at a disadvantage in the race for CAO points when compared to applicants from previous years who enjoyed the leverage of inflated grades. Nonetheless, the move is vital. With Covid-19 lockdowns long behind us, it’s necessary for the system to regain its normality.
It’s critical that Ireland safeguard the reputation and honour of its Leaving Cert grades. Educational establishments must have confidence in the thorough evaluation and esteemed standing of the exams. Industrious pupils ought to be assured that securing a leading grade genuinely matters – and holds significance for universities and recruiters.
The Leaving Cert system is far from flawless, however, alterations can persist, grounded in practical principles. The purpose of exam grades is ideally meant to indicate accomplishment, but the artificial rise in grades presents a misleading impression to all stakeholders.