Finish line in sight for Leaving Cert students
It's that time of year again, when those exams, that many of us still have nightmares about, are just around the corner.
There is just over a week before the Leaving Cert Examinations begin for the class of 2025.
66,182 students are expected to sit the exams starting on 4 June. That's an increase of almost 5.5% compared to the same time in 2024, however, the State Examinations Commission does stress this is a provisional figure.
It has been 25 years since the number of students sitting the Leaving Certificate exceeded 60,000.
But, this is a marathon not a sprint, and while students are in sight of the finish line, there is still study time to go.
Jasmine, a Leaving Cert student at Tyndall College in Carlow, says she is anxious about the exams.
"To be honest, I feel quite nervous to finally get to that moment. The moment that everyone's been sort of dreading. One subject I am kind of stressing about is business."
Meanwhile, her classmate, Maria-Claire, who is sitting the Leaving Cert Applied exams, says she's nervous, but prepared.
"Irish, I'm kind of just worried a little bit about that, but I know I'll be fine because we've done lots of little things, lots of practice on different exams and exam papers."
So, what can students do to keep any anxiety or stress under control in these final days?
While each student's level of preparedness and approach to study will vary, maintaining good mental health in the final stretch is universally important, according to Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.
"This is an important exam so feelings of anxiety are entirely natural," he says.
However, there are steps that students can take to alleviate those feelings.
"Focus on what you can do today, not the entire syllabus. It's different for each person, so it's not good to compare yourself or your study plan with other people," says Prof Kelly.
"You think of the big picture but then focus on today with two or three key tasks and stick to those.
"The human body is built for routines, so you should keep your routine fairly steady, that means regular bedtimes, meals and breaks because that will calm our brains," he added.
Getting this balancing act right, as Prof Kelly suggests, between study and rest is something some of the students at Cross and Passion College, in Kilcullen, Co Kildare, feel they are on top of as they nervously await 4 June.
Leaving Cert Student Sam Moussoulides says he has a set routine.
"I find that really helps, [to] kind of know what I'm doing [and] up until now, I think I've coped quite well and looking into the next few weeks. I'm just going to keep the routine that I have had going."
For some they just want to get it over with - like Charlotte Darby.
"In a strange way, I'm looking forward to it, just to get it done and over with now. Like it's been more of a two-year journey," she says.
4,513 students will sit the Leaving Cert Applied examination.
This is a two year practically-oriented programme with subjects including hair and beauty, childcare, and horticulture.
Some of the LCA class at Cross and Passion College have started their assessments, and have even got some results already - and LCA student Damia Ruslan says she feels confident going into the final week.
"I'm feeling very confident because over the past two years we've been doing key assignments.
"One of our tasks was to do with contemporary issues. I did mine on body dysmorphia, showing problems that people don't really look at [In society]," she added.
For Alex Winders, he's happy with his results so far, but admits there is some work to do in the coming days: "I think now I'm just kind of focusing on the exams now. I think I've slacked off a tiny bit, but I have loads of time to come back up and get my assignments done."
As if the pressure of Leaving Cert exams wasn't enough, students also need to keep their CAO in mind in the coming weeks.
Guidance Counsellor at Tyndall College Gemma Lawlor says the CAO is currently open until 1 July for change of mind.
She says this allows students to "change it, you can delete, you can put them in different orders, but you also need to check your statement of choice from the CAO as soon as it comes to you."
The second piece of advice she has relates to third level grants, saying everyone should check their eligibility for the SUSI Grant.
"That's [done] through the studentfinance.ie site. If you don't apply, you're not in it. Please contact your guidance counsellor, we're here to help," she urges.
Students at Cross and Passion College are looking to their futures - Daniella Oliveira, has her plan in place: "I hope to do a course based on tourism and hospitality and then when I get that finished, I hope to become a flight attendant."
Meanwhile for Aoibhe Toft, some time out is the first port of call after the exams.
"I decided to take the year after the Leaving Cert out, so hopefully after that I would love to work in advocacy, maybe for the EU or the UN."
The Leaving Cert Examinations begin on Wednesday 4 June with English Paper One and Home Economics for the Leaving Cert Established course and English and Communication and Social Education for the Leaving Cert Applied course.
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