ISSU Simple Steps to Study & Be Safe
The ISSU ,whilst continuing to advocate for clarity on exams for students,have put together some tips for motivating students to continue their studies and stay safe!
The ISSU recognises that it is a massive challenge to students, particularly those in exam years, to study at home in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. School is more than just studying for exams. For a lot of people it is where they express themselves, whether through their sport, music or other creative outlets .It is their support network and an outlet to socialise with their friends. It is understandable and totally okay if students feel overwhelmed or anxious at the prospect of studying at home for the next while.In these unprecedented times it is important to remain positive and do your best to cope with the uncertain circumstances. Hopefully some of these tips will help you to get through the days and weeks ahead.
#ClarificationNow: ISSU Campaign for Clarity on the 2020 State Examinations
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU), as the national representative body of second-level students, is calling on the Minister for Education and Skills to provide clarity on the contingency plans being arranged for the 2020 State Examinations.
The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the nation of Ireland and the ISSU recognises the huge effort and steps the government is taking to protect the public. The ISSU continues to follow, support and promote the Health Service Executive guidelines for the well-being and safety of all our members. However, in these unprecedented times, for thousands of examination students across Ireland, there is an immense feeling of uncertainty and anxiety as each student eagerly awaits for information regarding their exams.
The ISSU is asking the Minister for Education and Skills, to include the student voice in finalising these contingency plans. The ISSU is requesting to be involved in setting a clear deadline for when these decisions will be disseminated to the public and to assist in providing clear steps to be taken to ensure fairness and quality for all students and stakeholders involved.
President of the ISSU, Ciara Fanning commented “This is a hugely difficult and confusing time for everyone, but particularly for students who are due to sit State Exams in June. Having built up to these exams this year and previous school years there is huge pressure to perform well, and students are now unsure when they will be sitting the exams or if they will happen at all. This makes it incredibly difficult to focus on study and preparation for the exams. We need clarity immediately on the State Exams to put students at ease and reduce the immense stress and confusion they are already feeling at this time.”
Student welfare is paramount at this difficult time and reinforces the need to receive clarification as soon as possible on proposed plans that will impact the students' futures. The ISSU will continue to advocate that students, as key stakeholders in their education, are consulted and included in any decisions to be made regarding their education in the coming weeks and months.
ISSU Asks Department for Immediate Clarity on Exam Provisions
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union welcomes the decision to close schools and centres of education as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of COVID-19,however it is noted that this is a particularly stressful and worrying time for their members.
Students and other stakeholders in education are now facing a period of uncertainty awaiting departmental decisions to be made. The ISSU understands that this is a particularly difficult time for students in exam years who would have been working on oral and project based examinations at this time. It should be noted that oral examinations have been postponed and new dates will be circulated when schools recommence.
The ISSU has today contacted the Department of Education asking for clarity for exam students and for decisions surrounding the state exams to be made as soon as possible. Student welfare during this time should be of top priority and keeping students updated and informed in a reasonable timeframe is an essential element of this.
The most important factor in all of this is student health and safety. We encourage all of our members to follow HSE guidelines, in particular implementing good hygiene practices.
The ISSU will endeavour to ensure that students as key stakeholders in their education are consulted and included in any decisions to be made regarding their education in the coming weeks and months.
Officer Blog: Secretary - Luke Casserly
In the lead up to Annual Assembly, our NSE officers want to give members and potential election candidates an insight into their roles.
In the lead up to Annual Assembly and the closing of nominations for the NSE on the 1st of April, our current NSE want to give our members and potential candidates an insight into their roles. Starting off with our Secretary, Luke Casserly, from Longford.
Over the past year, I've been delighted to be serving as the ISSU NSE Secretary. It's been my second year in a row to fill this role! I ran for the position because I love organization and I'm mad about typing in Google Docs. I also feel it's a flexible role that allows you to work on a variety of topics. This year, I've been delighted to help bring organization to the work of the NSE, whether it be by making an agenda and minutes for each meeting or helping to organize events. My personal highlight of the year was co-ordinating the ISSU's work on Senator Paul Gavan's tipping bill which aimed to protect tips earned by workers. Being on the NSE has been the experience of a lifetime. I've met so many amazing activists who fill me with hope for the future!
If I had a piece of advice for the incoming Secretary it'd be to stay on top of your emails and cherish every moment of your time in office!
For more info on how to run for the NSE click here. Remember deadline to nominate yourself is the 26th of April!
The ISSU launches its General Election Manifesto
Amidst the general election uproar, we are pleased to release our second-level student manifesto, outlining, the issues we need to see a new government tackle with haste.
The Irish Second-Level Students’ Union is happy to announce the launch of their Second-Level Student Manifesto for the upcoming General Election. This manifesto highlights the issues and concerns of second-level students. The ISSU are seeking the support of all candidates in this general election on the issues outlined within this manifesto. Second-Level students’ cannot be left behind by the next government.
This manifesto covers the demands of second-level students in education, mental health services, climate crisis and vote at 16. Concrete plans and actions need to be taken by the next government to tackle these issues and to create positive outcomes which the ISSU have consistently campaigned for.
“Most second-level students’ in Ireland are not of the voting age to directly have their voices heard in this general election. Second-level students cannot be left behind. There are numerous issues facing second-level students which we have been addressed in our manifesto. Second-level students’ deserve quality and easily accessible education, we need radically improved mental health services, we need serious action to be taken on the current climate crisis to guarantee our future and we need to engage students’ in politics from a younger age by lowering the voting age to 16; these are among some of the priorities contained in our General Election 2020 Manifesto.”
The ISSU want the people that are elected in this general election to implement policies that are inline with the asks of second-level students’ outlined in this manifesto.
My Regional Council Experience
The new school term started off with a bang this year, with Regional Councils around the country taking place. Donegal held it’s biggest Regional Council to date during early October, with over forty students attending the event (it may not seem like a big number but we’re talking about the west of Ireland here). The event covered important topics for the students of Ireland, such as Climate Change, Direct Provision and Brexit. One main part of Regional Councils is the election for the National Council of Schools (NCS).
The event took place in LYIT, and after a few icebreakers, the students were split into teams and did a small Kahoot! quiz about ISSU. In those teams, a climate action debate was held. All groups were given different organisations (eg. Sinn Fein, Extinction Rebellion, Shell Oil, ect.), the students were then given time to research their organisation and their outlooks on climate change/action. Different motions were then brought to the floor and the debate began.
After everybody voiced their opinion (and then some), a walking debate about direct provision was held. Many people didn’t know a lot about the direct provision crisis, so this was a great way to get educated on these issues and voice their opinions on the matter.
After lunch, came the moment only the candidates were waiting for, the speeches. With only two being chosen from a selection of seven candidates, it was a tight game. During the counting of votes, a small opinion piece on Brexit was held and people revealed how it would change their lives and plans for the future (in relation to college and job prospects) Eventually, the wait was over, and the two new Donegal Representatives for the NCS were revealed.
In my opinion, the day was very informative and a great way for people to get involved in ISSU, especially since it’s probably closer to you than Dublin. Opinions from students attending the event:
James, Colaiste Cholmcille
“The event was very enjoyable, everyone got involved and the organisers were
very friendly. I would recommend that anyone with an interest in current affairs
should attend”
Claire, Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola
“I really enjoyed the event today, I felt it was good the way we all got to express
our opinions about important topics, I would definitely recommend attending
this event.”
Ashleigh, St. Columbas
“I thought today was a lot of fun. My eyes were opened to a lot of new topics.”
By Kate Coll
