From Leaving CertiFiCate to Leaving SChooL a Longitudinal Study ...

22
From Leaving Certificate to Leaving School
fifth in terms of Junior Certificate grades tend to be more satisfied with
the programme they are taking than lower achievement groups. Furthermore,
finding schoolwork harder in sixth year than previously is associated
with somewhat higher levels of dissatisfaction with the programme
taken (23 per cent are dissatisfied compared with 18 per cent of those
who find it ‘about the same’); the issue of the increased challenge of
schoolwork in sixth year is discussed in greater detail in Chapter Three.
Figure 2.1: Satisfaction with current programme among sixth year
students
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
V. dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Satisfied
V. satisfied
30%
20%
10%
0%
LCE LCVP LCA
Students were asked to give reasons for their satisfaction or dissatisfaction.
Among those who reported being satisfied with their programme, the most
frequently cited reasons were that they were getting on well academically
(24 per cent), that they enjoy the subjects they are taking (17 per cent) and
that the programme facilitates access to the post-school education options
they seek (16 per cent). However, one-fifth of the students who deemed
themselves satisfied or very satisfied with their programme gave answers
which indicated their satisfaction was tentative. This group emphasised the
pressure and stress associated with preparation for the Leaving Certificate
exam, an issue which is explored further in Chapter Three, and many criticised
the over-emphasis on a terminal exam: