Re:      Leaving Certificate 2021 Updates.

To coincide with the commencement in schools of Phase 1 of providing an Estimated Percentage Mark the Department of Education hosted an update on Leaving Certificate 2021 for educational partners. During this update notice was given of additional information and support materials to issue to all school Principals. This information and support material subsequently issued on the evening of Monday 17th May.

Guides and Instructional Videos 

The support material includes instructional videos on the Guide for Schools on Providing Estimated Percentage Marks and Leaving Certificate Applied 2021 – Guide for Schools on Providing Estimated Percentage Marks. ACCS welcomes the dedicated guidance on LCA for 2021. The importance of interlinkage between guidance was stressed and all teachers involved with LCA are asked to familiarise themselves with the provisions in the main guide.

Helpline and Dedicated Email Support

As previously advised, a dedicated phone-line service for queries on the Accredited Grade process 2021 is now available at the Department’s Helpline on 057 932 4461 (select option 2), Mon – Fri, 10am to 5pm, or by email to LCinfo@education.gov.ie. Department officials also advised that the recurring questions being raised on the helplines inform supplementary information being posted on Leaving Certificate 2021 – Information for Schools. (The full text of the message posted to Principals is attached.)

Data Entry

As part of the update, the Department advised that guidance regarding the entry of data on Estimated Percentage Marks for transfer to the SEC will issue to schools prior to the opening of the system scheduled for Monday May 31st. All schools are reminded of the importance of ensuring all data is transferred to the SEC by June 3rd.  The process will be largely similar to last year with some updates to resolve issues identified by schools last year.

LCVP and Non-Curricular Language Proficiency Test

Appreciation was expressed to schools for facilitation of the LCVP written examination and Non-Curricular Languages Proficiency Test. As the only means of receiving an Accredited Grade the Proficiency Test was availed of by 1,300 candidates across 450 schools.

In School Panel – Additional Support for Arabic, Japanese and Russian

Notice was given that guidance is to issue to schools regarding Out of School  Subjects Arabic, Japanese and Russian. Schools will be allowed engage persons not registered with the Teaching Council but with knowledge in the relevant language to support the in school panel of 3 in arriving at an estimated percentage mark.     

Is mise, Le mór mheas,

John Irwin,  GENERAL SECRETARY.

Addendum:

DE LC Update to Principals May 17th