Mayo deputy Alan Dillon has published the key points of his survey for Leaving Certificate students in county Mayo. 

With over 520 respondents, almost 400 of whom were Leaving Certificate students the survey indicates a strong preference for a calculated grades process. 

The highest ranked preference was to use calculated grades with an option to sit scaled-down end of year exams, followed very closely by the second preference to use calculated grades using standardised continuous assessment. 

The third ranking preference was for the exams to proceed as planned pending public health advice. 

Deputy Dillon has thanked the students, parents and teachers who contributed to the survey. 

He says the results provide him with clear information for the Department of Education on the ranked preferences of Leaving Certificate students. 

The Oral and Practical element of exams also was a source of concern with the ranked preferences of students being firstly to cancel them; secondly, partake in a scaled down version with ongoing assessment; and thirdly, move these online.”

In addition the survey showed that almost 40 percent of the students surveyed in Mayo  have insufficient broadband.  Almost three in five have found remote learning to be a negative or very negative experience. While more than  three in five felt the uncertainty around the exams had a negative impact on their mental health.