Student Voice Shines a Light on Senior Cycle Reform

Bishopstown Community School gives raise to student voice – giving space to their 5th year students who are currently on the front line experiencing the changes first hand to have their say on the Senior Cycle Reform from their own perspective. 5th year students Isla Murphy and Emma Downey chaired the discussion amongst their peers seeking out the answers to what the tranche one subjects are like from the students own experience. Isla and Emma, along with  their classmates used their new learnt skills from Drama, Film & Theatre Studies to create a well-rounded video showcasing the opinions of the students firsthand. The video was showcased at the ACCS Convention in Killarney. Their work gives an authentic insight into the life of a student receiving the Senior Cycle Reform. Students commented on the positives of not having the pressure of one hundred percent in a terminal examination with the Additional Assessment Component being well received, but also brought to light the challenges which can come with such bestowed independence.

Emma and Isla both reflect on their experience of creating the student voice piece as “challenging, but rewarding”. Isla commented on the “excitement of seeing it all come together and getting to share our opinions to show outside of our school”. Emma claims that “this time last year I wouldn’t have taken on this project”. Isla echoes that sentiment reinforcing the importance of being able to have their say and feeling heard as a result of their work.

Annie Jayne O’Flynn represented the student body of Bishopstown Community School at the event in Killarney. She recalls the “adventure of me and my mam travelling to Killarney to take part in the convention” and ultimately the excitement of representing her year groups voice. Annie Jayne commented on how “proud” she was to see the final production on the big screen. The discussion panel titled ‘Senior Cycle in Focus: Perspectives from Policy and Practice’ consisted of a mix of policy makers, teachers, a parent and a student. Neville Kenny, Principal Officer, Curriculum and Assessment Unit, Dept. Of Education; Andrea Feeney, CEO, State Examinations Commission; teachers Ms Nunan and Ms Ryan, parent Rebecca O Flynn, and student Annie Jayne. Each offering their own unique views and experiences of the Senior Cycle Reform to date.

Annie Jayne reflects on the day as “an important day” for her and commenting on what it meant to see “the adults in the system listening to students and valuing their opinion as very powerful”. Allowing our students to bring their expertise, opinions and voice to the table to be heard definitely allows for greater scope for the Senior Cycle Reform to be the success story our students deserve.