Statement from the State Examinations Commission on the State exams

Since the Government announcement last week of the closure of schools until the 29th March, the State Examinations Commission has been working closely with the Department of Education and Skills on considering alternative arrangements for candidates approaching the state examinations. The planned closure period directly impacts on the scheduled dates for this years’ oral and practical performance tests. Following a review of all possible options the Minister has just now announced at a press conference that it has been decided to cancel these tests and to award candidates the full marks for the components in question.

For your attention and information, see below the SEC’s press release on this decision. We have also announced an extension of the completion date for project work and coursework which was due for completion on various dates between the 20th March and the 24th April. Candidates will now have until the 15th May to complete this work. The SEC will provide further details on the revised arrangements in the coming days to school authorities and will publish details on our website for the information of students, parents and guardians.

Awarding full marks for the oral and practical performance tests was considered to be the most fair to candidates as it guarantees that no candidate can be awarded a mark lower than they would have achieved in the test. No other approach to generating a result for these components would have given this guarantee. These decisions have at all time been guided by consideration of the best interests of candidates.

Our advice to candidates is that they should continue to prepare for the remaining elements of their examinations as scheduled.

We are continuing to actively monitor the evolving health emergency and are working very closely with the DES in assessing the impact on the examinations system.


Basic Life Support Training – Gaisce, Personal Skill

Basic Life Support Training – Gaisce, Personal Skill.

Course examined by a certified Water Safety Ireland Examiner. Two levels will be covered – Basic Life Support (BLS) 1 & Basic Life Support (BLS) 2.

Content covered:

• Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation on adult, child and baby.

• Log Roll & Recovery Position on adult, child and baby.

• Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (Choking)

• Respiratory & Pulmonary System

• Use of the defibrillator (AED) on adult, child and baby.

• Oxygen Therapy, use of the bag valve mask (BVM) and use of resuscitation mask.

Dates:

• Tuesday 24th February,

• Tuesday 3rd March,

• Tuesday 10th March,

• Tuesday 24th March,

• Tuesday 31st March,

• Tuesday 28th April,

• Tuesday 5th May,

• Tuesday 12th May.

**Classes will be from 4 – 5.15pm in R35. This will be counted towards Gaisce Personal Skill element.

Course will be provided by Ms. Aoife Heeran

Schedule may be subject to change.


SCHOOL TRANSPORT 2020/2021 School Year

Bus Éireann are currently accepting applications for transport, under the School Transport Scheme, for the 2020/2021 school year. PLEASE DOWNLOAD FAQ RE. SCHOOL TRANSPORT HERE.

It is imperative that Bus Éireann receive as many applications as possible early to ensure they can examine each route and give the best possible service to pupils, under the scheme.

Applications are made online by the parents at www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

If you have any difficulty in applying, you can contact the School Transport Office, Athlone directly by email to schools.athlone@buseireann.ie and/or phone on 09064-73277 where staff will endeavour to assist in any way possible.