The State Examinations Commission (SEC), has published a 64-page document setting out further adjustments to the 2021 written Leaving Certificate papers. The document states that the "aim of these further adjustments is to lessen the load, as far as is reasonably possible, for candidates both in their preparation for the written examinations and also on the day of the examination. "

The adjustments apply to the written examinations only. In the case of Gaeilge and the modern foreign languages, there is no change to the aural component, and there is likewise no change to the listening component in music. There are no further adjustments to practical coursework, orals and practical performance tests. Information on the adjustments to these assessment components are set out in Assessment Arrangements for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examinations 2021 and these still apply.

No new material has been added to the papers and, for the most part, no material removed. According to the document the adjustments in nearly all cases provide further choice to candidates by reducing the number of questions to be answered in the examination. It is intended that this will reduce the time needed to complete the examination althought the duration of each examination remains unchanged thereby relieving some of the time pressure on students.

The document also explains how the total mark for the examination paper in the majority of cases will be reduced and there may be a small redistribution of marks within examination papers as a result of the introduction of further choice. Some re-weighting of components may required during the grading process and examples of how this will be done is also provided in the document,

The document, which can be viewed here, sets out. subject by subject, the adjustments that have been made and the instructions that the candidates will see on the examination papers.

 View the full 64 page document here.

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