A Chara, - In view of the distress caused to students and teachers by certain sections of the Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) examination papers for Irish of Friday June 12th and Monday June 15th, Comhar na Muinteoiri Gaeilge (CMG) wishes to place the following facts on public record. The sections in question are the Reading Comprehension component of Paper I and the literature component of Paper II.
(1) Since its establishment in 1964, CMG has been demanding, and working for, relevant changes in the curricula for Irish at all levels. The term "curriculum" includes syllabus and evaluation for the four language skills. (2) To this end, CMG has sat on official committees, produced position papers and sample models, and participated in professional development courses. (3) In all its endeavours, CMG is concerned with, and for, three issues: the teacher as professional; the student, who - as learner - deserves the best; and the Irish language in the education system. (4) Each year, a representative sample of teacher and student problems with any aspects of the examination papers are collected from all round the country, collated, and forwarded to the Inspectorate for consideration at the marking conferences. (5) Overall, many beneficial changes have been brought about, particularly over the last ten years, as part of more general change. (6) The exception has been, and continues to be, the Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate examination papers, despite repeated complaints, and even in the light of some minor adjustments. (7) A determined effort was made this year. Letters were sent to the relevant bodies highlighting the problem once again. A representative group of teachers and advisers produced a comprehensive document on each section of the Ordinary Level examination papers, with comments on problems and suggestions for improvement. This was submitted to the relevant bodies and through our representatives. It reiterated our constant position. (8) Examinations are meant to test what candidates may fairly be expected to know at their level. Good and fair examinations are not designed as a form of Beecher's Brook, where all may fall. Neither are they a showcase for the examiner's breadth of expertise. If the level of language used in a language examination is such that it provides a barrier between the candidates and their knowledge, then that examination must be considered a failure. This is not to say that examination material need not stretch candidates; only that this must be done within the limits expected at their level.
In conclusion, CMG demands an assurance that these examiner problems, which are now also examinee problems, will be duly taken into account in the marking schemes for discussion at the upcoming marking conferences. In addition, CMG demands that appropriate examination papers, suitable to their level of candidate, will be provided for all future Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate examination papers. - Is mise, Helen O Murchu,
(Stiurthoir), Comhar na Muinteoiri Gaeilge, Cearnog Mhuirfean, Baile Atha Cliath 2.