Pupils are urged to remember there is life after exams

The 116,000 students starting their Leaving and Junior Certificate exams today have been told by the experts to relax and follow a balanced routine.

The message to Leaving Cert students is to remember that there is life beyond the exam.

Parents and others around the candidates have been cautioned that 'the time for nagging is over' and that a 'bit of TLC' will go a long way.

Tanaiste and Education Minister Mary Coughlan said that while the exams could be stressful, students should 'bear in mind that there are many opportunities for you to continue your education after the Leaving Certificate'.

Meanwhile, Headsup, the text support service offered by Rehab's mental health promotion project, has unveiled a new online application at www.headsup.ie/matesmood. php to enable people to get a sense of their friends' moods.

'With Mates' Mood, people can illustrate in a visual way how they are feeling without having to say anything,' said project manager Collette Ryan.

Pressures

Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) president Joe Moran said students should follow a routine which includes good food, enough sleep and regular exercise rather than a gruelling routine of 'study, exam, study, exam'.

National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) director Clive Byrne said parents needed to be mindful of the pressures their children were under and said 'a bit of extra TLC and understanding will go a long way'.

Irish Vocational Education Association (IVEA) education research officer Pat O'Mahony advised students to read questions carefully 'and before you even read the question paper, jot down any important formulae or facts that you might be worried about forgetting'.

Mr O'Mahony's message to family members of exam candidates is: 'the time for nagging is over. It is now a time for support and encouragement.'

Meanwhile, 117 prisoners will embark on Leaving Cert exams today - up almost 50pc on 2009.

A further 161 prisoners are sitting Junior Cert papers, while around 600 are estimated to be taking part in FETAC (Further Education Training and Awards Council) courses.

Subjects range from traditional qualifications in English, maths and science to courses on diet and nutrition, technical drawing and caring for children.

- Katherine Donnelly and Jeananne Craig

Irish Independent