Nerves are jangling, pressure is building and teeth are on edge – and that’s just the parents.
The Leaving Certificate doesn’t just test students; it can feel like the whole household is sitting the exams as kitchen counters are strewn with highlighters and dog-eared study notes.
So, how can you help your child prepare for the exams? What’s the best way to keep spirits from flagging? And how can you help ensure they pick the right study options after school?
Sign up to our new Classroom to College newsletter for all the latest discussion, advice and encouragement, including:
Secondary schools face threat of industrial action after ASTI rejects Leaving Cert reform package
Reaction to Leaving Cert maths paper one: ‘This was challenging for everyone’
Carl O’Brien: ‘Take a deep breath Leaving Cert students - the weekend is a time to recharge’
Leaving Cert student diary: ‘I’m proof there’s an alternative to incredibly stressful exams’
- ‘Get seated 30 minutes beforehand’: Leaving Cert survival guide from guidance counsellor Brian Mooney;
- Exam diarists from Athlone Community College who will share the highs and lows of the Leaving Cert exams;
- Up-to-the-minute reaction to all the big exams with access to the exam papers;
- Parents’ diary: Damian Cullen on trying to stay calm as the tempest approaches;
- Analysis of how the move to lower grades towards pre-pandemic norms will affect the class of 2025 in the CAO points race;
- The inside track on alternative pathways available in further education and third level to help students fulfil their dream careers;
- My Leaving: entertainers, broadcasters and politicians recall their most vivid exam memories
When August comes, we’ll provide expert advice on guidance on CAO offers, a live help desk staffed by our team of guidance counsellors to deal with readers’ queries, and detailed guidance on the smart options in further education and training.
