Pupils braced for exams tomorrow
More than 100,000 schoolchildren will tomorrow take to exam halls nationwide as the 2007 Junior and Leaving Certs kick off.
And in traditional exam-time style, Met Éireann has predicted the hot and sunny weather is to continue until the weekend.
Around three million exam papers will be distributed to 4,500 centres around the country tomorrow morning for the 13-day trial, with teachers warning about the dangers of study stress.
"While these examinations are a demanding test of ability requiring dedication, focus and hard work, students can be assured that they are designed to allow them the maximum opportunity to demonstrate the levels of their achievement on completion of their junior and senior cycle studies, " chairman of the State Examinations Commission Dick Langford said.
"All students will of course benefit greatly from the support and encouragement of their parents, family and friends in helping them to achieve to their full potential."
For the first time this year Leaving Certificate papers will be available in Romanian and Bulgarian in addition to the Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian and Slovakian translations introduced last year, recognising the increasing diversity in Ireland's education system.
Meanwhile the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has warned about the dangers of exam stress.
"The study period is nearly over," USI president Colm Hamrogue said. "Students may feel nervous, but there are proven ways of alleviating stress."
"Taking 30 minutes out for some light exercise and eating a nutritionally-balanced meal improves concentration.
"A good night's sleep is really important."
This comes after a leading teachers' body last week called for students to remain calm and focused throughout the exam fortnight.
"While it is normal to experience some anxiety during the examinations period, it is important to keep things in perspective," ASTI president Michael Freeley said.
"Instead of worrying, try to remain calm and focused and keep telling yourself: 'I will try to do the best that I can.'
"Avoid a marathon cramming session before any exam and instead break study time into short revision sessions with some breaks.
"End each evening by doing something which relaxes you - even if it's just for a few moments - and try to get a good night's sleep.
"In the morning, eat a healthy breakfast and leave plenty of time for your walk or journey to the exam hall so that you are not rushing at the last minute."
The examinations run until Thursday June 21 for Junior Cert subjects and Friday June 22 for Leaving Cert subjects.
The written examinations in the Leaving Cert Applied programme finish on Thursday June 14.
The results of the Leaving Cert will be available on Wednesday August 15 and Junior Cert in mid-September 2007.
