Laois schools share wise words as Leaving and Junior Cert kick off
Plenty of candles will be lit for Laois students starting exams on Wednesday, June 3
The Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate has gotten underway for students across Laois and the rest of the country today, June 3.
Leaving Cert students kicked off with English Paper 1 this Wednesday morning at 9.30am. This marked the beginning of the exams for most students, with them all due to be completed by Tuesday, June 23.
For Junior Cert students, English was also first on the schedule as well as Religious Education. The Junior Cert exams will finish up with Applied Technology on Monday, June 15.
Schools across Laois have shared some wise words ahead of the exams which students have spent a long time preparing for.
Dunamase College
“As you begin your Leaving Certificate examinations, remember your job in every exam is to show what you know.
“When you sit down, take a moment, breathe, and focus only on the paper in front of you. Marks are earned one question, one paragraph, one calculation at a time.
“If you come across a question you don't like, keep moving. If one exam doesn't go as planned, don't let it steal marks from the next one. The students who do best are often not those who never make mistakes, but those who recover quickly and keep going.
“Get a good night's sleep, eat well, stay hydrated, and arrive in plenty of time each morning. Most importantly, trust yourself. You know far more than you think you do. The examiners are looking to award marks, so show what you know, answer the question asked, and give every paper your best effort. The very best of luck from all at Dunamase College/Coláiste Dhún Másc.”
Coláiste Iosagáin, Portarlington
“We have 204 students starting their Junior Cycle exams with 195 students at Senior Cycle - 163 Leaving Certificate Established and 23 Leaving Certificate Applied.
“These exams are an important milestone for these students and we wish them well. Between graduations and awards ceremonies we had a busy few weeks but the students would have been well prepared by their teachers so all we advise them to do is their best.
“We will be thinking of them all over the next fortnight and their families who are sometimes more stressed than the students themselves! We have a sacred space in our reception so from Wednesday onwards we will have the candle lighting for all our students. Good Luck.”
St Mary’s CBS Portlaoise
“We wish all our Junior and Senior students sitting their State Exams in the coming weeks the very best of luck. These exams will never define you, hopefully they will be a bridge for you to follow a certain path in life or you may decide otherwise.
“Your generation has so many options. Go into your exams determined to stay the time, review and edit your answers, give yourself time to read questions a few times, jot down your thoughts. Just do your best lads!”
Heywood CS
“As the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations begin, the entire school community at Heywood Community School would like to wish our students every success over the coming weeks. This is an important milestone in their educational journey, and we are immensely proud of the maturity they have shown throughout their years with us, particularly during the final stages of preparation.
“Our message to students is a simple one: stay calm, trust yourselves and trust the guidance you have received from your teachers. The preparation has been done over time, and these exams are an opportunity to show what you know and it is important to keep the examinations in perspective.
“We strongly encourage students to look after their wellbeing during the exam period. Maintaining a healthy routine, taking regular breaks, eating well and getting sufficient sleep are all essential. Just as importantly, students should make a conscious effort to switch off each evening. Stepping away from study, relaxing, and doing something enjoyable helps to clear the mind and supports better focus the following day.
“We would also like to acknowledge the role of parents, guardians and families, whose encouragement and support make a real difference at this time. Finally, we commend our dedicated staff for their guidance, care and professionalism in supporting students to reach this point.
“On behalf of everyone at Heywood Community School, we wish our Junior and Leaving Certificate students the very best of luck. Whatever the outcome, we are confident they will move forward with confidence, ambition and a strong sense of themselves.”
St Fergal’s Rathdowney
“As the students of St Fergal’s College begin their State Examinations, we extend our very best wishes to each and every one of them. This marks an important milestone in their educational journey, and we are immensely proud of the hard work, commitment, and resilience they have shown throughout the year.
“We encourage all our students to approach the days ahead with confidence, to believe in their abilities, and to simply do their best. Remember to stay calm, take each exam as it comes, and take care of yourself along the way.
“On behalf of the entire St Fergal’s College community, we wish our students the very best of luck and every success in their examinations.”
Scoil Chríost Rí
“Our very best wishes to all Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate students as they begin their state examinations this week.
“These examinations are the culmination of years of commitment, perseverance and hard work. Our students have consistently demonstrated ambition, resilience and an excellent work ethic throughout the year and I have no doubt that they will approach the weeks ahead with the same determination and focus.
“My advice to students is simple — trust your preparation, remain confident in your abilities and give each examination your very best effort. Success is built over time and the work has already been done.
“We are immensely proud of our students and look forward to seeing them achieve the results their dedication deserves.”