Sir, – I agree with Michael O’Dwyer that the current Leaving Certificate points system is in need of reform (September 12th). But we should also be aware the present system is, as Mr O’Dwyer says, “transparent and, as far as one can see, free from political influence”.
The current Leaving Certificate has many advantages. It is externally marked and fair to all. It is not subjective. It is independent and anonymous. It is, therefore, immune to manipulation. It requires diligence and hard work by students to be successful in such an examination.
We should be very careful not to replace it with systems that are not fair to all.
Systems that have elements of subjectivity, that are neither independent nor anonymous and are wide open to manipulation, will destroy our education system. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – One advantage of a partial lottery system for third-level entry is that it would allow Leaving Cert students have a better work-life balance: activities such as sports and playing a musical instrument often get dropped to optimise the points score. – Yours, etc,