Following the ASTI Central Executive Council to hold a ballot on the set of proposals from the Department of Education and Skills following talks, parents remain concerned over the potential impact the possible rejection will have on their children.

The National Parents Council post primary calls on the Department of Education and Skills and the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) to continue in their efforts to resolve the issues and that any further action be taken outside teaching hours.

We are disappointed that the matters have not been resolved. We believe it is unfair to place our children in the front-line of any dispute. No student should be penalised by the way of fewer marks being available in an exam nor should they lose hours in the classroom.

Parents of post primary students are becoming more and more anxious over the current situation, especially over the prospect of losing 10% of their final mark due to a dispute between the Department and the Union.

What we hear from parents?

“My daughter is in 3rd year and her English teacher doesn't do the classroom based assessment with the class. To date my daughter did not receive any communication from the school in relation to her Junior Cert and how her final mark will be affected. As a parent I am very concerned that she is going to lose 10% of her final mark.” Parent from County Leitrim

“My son is in his 3rd year.  I am very concerned about his upcoming Junior Cert English examination. The students have not undertaken any assignments or followed the new curriculum.  I have only recently learned that a submission was due at the end of 2nd year which did not take place for my son. Given that he will not have any assessments included as part of his final marks does this mean that we will be marked out of a reduced percentage making it impossible for him to achieve a good grade? I am particularly concerned as he is a good student who loves English and I feel that it is very unfair that the children are being caught in the midst of this long running dispute and are paying the price.” Parent from County Dublin

“I was shocked to learn that, because our school is primarily ASTI, our children will potentially losing out on 10% of their Junior Certificate English grade due to this dispute. We are very disappointed that this information is only now being communicated to us having heard that the dispute is ongoing since 2012. The children of Ireland are being used as pawns by the ASTI and the Department of Education and Skills and that is wrong. These children and their parents need assurance and deserve certainty about their junior certificate exams.” Parent from County Galway