Repeating the Leaving Cert: Consider Your Options before Making a Decision
As students receive their results today, it’s natural to feel disappointed if they didn’t achieve the grades they had hoped for. However, I would advise students to refrain from making hasty decisions about their future until the CAO Round 1 offers are issued. Predicting the cut-off points for CAO courses has become increasingly challenging in recent years, especially with the uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The authorities have made adjustments to accommodate the difficult circumstances faced by students.
For those who are disappointed with their results, one option to consider is repeating the Leaving Cert to improve their grades and secure a spot in their desired course. Some may contemplate retaking the entire set of exams, while others might focus on resitting one or two specific subjects. This could be due to not meeting the minimum requirements for certain subjects, even if they have the necessary points. Although points cannot be combined from different sittings, repeating subjects can help achieve the minimum grade required.
Reflecting back on my experience in 2002, when I repeated the Leaving Cert, there were nearly 20 other students in my school doing the same. However, the number of students opting for repeats has been decreasing over the years due to the abundance of alternatives now available.
It’s important to note that the Leaving Cert year itself is incredibly demanding and stressful. Therefore, choosing to repeat should be a decision that students are fully committed to.
Fortunately, students have various choices beyond repeating the Leaving Cert. They can consider pursuing a post-Leaving Cert (PLC) course, which could potentially qualify them for their desired CAO course. Another alternative worth exploring is the new tertiary degrees programs that bridge further education and higher education. These programs do not rely on CAO points for selection. Additionally, apprenticeships offer an array of courses and allow individuals to earn while they learn. Certain apprenticeships even grant a Level 8 (honors degree) qualification.
However, for students who are genuinely interested in repeating the Leaving Cert, it’s crucial for them and their parents to ask themselves important questions. Why did they not achieve the necessary points? Were there challenges related to time management, stress management, or effective exam techniques? If they decide to repeat, will they be able to apply the lessons learned and refine their approach to exams?
It’s worth considering that the grades attained this year are on par with the record levels seen in 2021 and 2022. With the future remaining uncertain, it’s uncertain if repeating the Leaving Cert would guarantee better results.
It’s important to note that not all schools accept repeat pupils, and the principal usually has discretion in such cases. However, there are alternatives available, such as colleges of further education. Private colleges and grind schools also offer repeat programs, although they may come with a financial burden.
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