CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in Ireland: Leaving Cert plan wins over union after legal safeguards for teachers

The Leaving Certificate exam, which determines college entrance places, was cancelled because of the pandemic
The Leaving Certificate exam, which determines college entrance places, was cancelled because of the pandemic
DAVID JONES/PA

The second largest teaching union in the country is now satisfied to go ahead with a new grading system for the Leaving Certificate after securing legal protection from the state for its members.

Under the “calculated grades” system, predicted marks will be given, which will be decided by teachers based on past and predicted performance. This system was introduced after the decision this month to cancel the Leaving Cert exam, normally taken by secondary school students to determine college entrance places, because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) had advised members not to engage with the new system until stronger legal protection was offered.

Yesterday the union said legal indemnity for teachers was secured so they could proceed with the