Junior Certificate Results - Tips for Parents
Does the Junior Cert matter?
Because in Ireland second level education is split into two cycles (Junior cycle and Leaving cycle) an examination is needed to assess the achievements of students on completion of each cycle, and according to Dept of Education the objective of the Junior Cert is,
- ‘
...to provide a well-balanced, general education suitable for pupils who leave full-time education at the end of compulsory schooling or, alternatively, who wish to enter on more advanced courses of study.’
Tips for Parents provided by ichievement.com
Keep Things into Perspective.
Exams are not the be all and end all of everything. Everyone loses out at some time or other and failing an exam isn’t the end of the world. What is important is for you to look for positive ways forward, to consider all the options available and to be behind them 100%. Encourage them to talk about how they're feeling about the exams and reassure them that you are behind them and love them whatever the results.
Reassure them that failing an exam doesn’t make them a failure and that while you may all be disappointed in the results, you aren’t disappointed in your child. Sometimes a hard working student may not perform to their potential in a particular exam, there can be many reasons for this. You may wish to get the exam paper rechecked or accept the result. Talk to a teacher for advice or contact the National Parents Post Primary Council www.npcpp.ie tel 01 830 2740 / 830 2747.
Plan an event to mark the results.
Whatever these are, celebrate the effort that went into them and make it clear that you love, respect and value your child for themselves, independent of their achievements.
Make a Contingency Plan.
If the results are not as expected you may wish to have a Plan B event up your sleeve.
Allow Your Child some Space and Recovery Time:
Getting exam results can release a lot of built up tension, be the results fantastic or drastic! You may have some 'valid' concerns about post result celebrations. It is a time for students to release their tensions, celebrate or commiserate with pals and family! Set your mind at ease and know where your child is. It's important for discuss celebration 'venues' and transport arrangements with your child and other parents - to your satisfaction.
Discuss alcohol, its effects and quantities with your child. Nobody wants to be a party pooper, be aware of what you give your child - they will go out and load up themselves! Be aware of the patterns of drinking and alcohol your child may be engaging in.
Prepare Yourself for Potential Conflict.
Problems that might have been put on the backburner during the exam period can suddenly emerge once the crisis is over. You may need to acknowledge what has been simmering under the surface for some time and address it, head on.
Encourage Your Child:
If your child is going into Transition Year, encourage them to get the most out of the year and participate fully. It's a fabulous opportunity to explore strengths and possibilities. If your child is a Fifth Year student encourage good study habits early and get a good balance between study and other interests. Find out mindmapping as a tool to help your child retain and review their study materials. C
Celebrate Together:
Finally whatever the 'on the night' plans are, take time out yourself and acknowledge the work that has been done!