Oral exams - the problems

Dear Editor,

I found the article on the oral and aural examinations in modern languages, including Irish, in the Junior and Leaving Certificates by Yvonne Healy (E&L, January 23rd) most informative and interesting.

I was especially intrigued by the remark that there are blips in the system, in that the oral tests at Junior Certificate level are "optional" - for the school rather than for the individual student - and are rarely offered. This arises from teachers being reluctant to examine their own students.

I have two queries. What measures are the Department of Education adopting to ensure all students receive equitable treatment in their preparations for the oral and the aural tests in a particular language?

Differences in teaching ability may vary enormously; Irish is particularly acute in this regard. Some students are fortunate in having a teacher who takes the oral and aural seriously others are not so fortunate.

My second query relates to hearing ability. I presume the department is aware some students may suffer from a hearing loss, and so be at a marked disadvantage for both oral and aural tests. What steps does it propose to take to give such hearing impaired students a fair deal when undergoing such tests? Yours,

St Columba's Lodge.

Killiney.

Co Dublin