The Leaving Certificate has been criticised after one education commentator said that it is "no longer fit for purpose".

According to an article in the Irish Independent, pupils in secondary schools are not being assessed well enough by the Leaving Certificate.

It stated that it does not work as an effective means of testing skills and intelligence as parents have become savvy about how to know what questions will come up.

"Teachers and students have learnt how to play the exam game," it was said.

The article noted that professor Tom Collins, chair of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, said that the focus of the exams has become geared towards college entry.

According to the commentator, "a student should be able to celebrate a good Leaving Certificate with a sense of satisfaction and achievement that transcends the points gained".

Students in secondary schools will receive this year's Leaving Certificate later this week on August 18th.

Posted by Donal Walsh

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