Billy RyleWith just over a week to go, Guidance Counsellor Billy Ryle has some last minute advice for 2026 State Exams candidates…
You’ve done the hard work so “play a blinder” in the State Exams.
Exam Time
The waiting is almost over for 140,000 plus candidates, about 4,200 from Kerry, as the state exams begin on Wednesday, 3rd June.
Further grades’ deflation through post-marking adjustment of Leaving Cert exam scores should result in a reduction in points’ requirements for CAO courses.
There will be a generous supply of CAO, Tertiary Degrees, Further Education Courses, Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Employment places available for school leavers in a robust economy. So, it’s all good news for candidates taking the state exams.
Rewards
You’ve done the hard work so it’s time to reap the rewards! The Leaving Certificate exams, the Junior Cycle exams and the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) exams will run until Tuesday, 23rd June, Monday, 15th June and Thursday, 11th June, respectively.
Continued below…
Be Sun Smart
However with temperatures hitting the high twenties this week during a period of “typical exam weather,” caution is the order of the day.
No candidate wants to face important exams with a sunburned body. So avoid over-exposure to the sun and take plenty of cold drinks during the exam period.
Enjoy aerobic exercise, but resist the temptation of lengthy sunbathing sessions. Apply sunscreen cream, wear sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim. It’s difficult to resist good weather but be sun smart and disciplined as it’s all to play for.
Final Week
This week is the final one for major revision. Stick to your study plan until Sunday. Concentrate on subjects being examined during the first week. As the exams run into the subsequent weeks, the optional subjects are nicely spaced out allowing for study days.
Prioritise
Leaving Cert candidates should prioritise last minute work in English, Home Economics, Engineering, Geography and Mathematics Paper One and get it done by Sunday night.
Likewise Junior Cycle candidates should do the same in English, Religious Education, Irish, Geography, History and Maths. On Monday, concentrate on the tips and predictions for subjects being examined the first week. Don’t cram on the days before the exam as this may cause confusion and fatigue.
Alert Mind
Spent an hour or two on Tuesday skimming over your notes for Wednesday’s exams and leave it at that. Some relaxed leisure will be more beneficial than spending the day cramming material that you may not recall anyway.
You need a clear and alert mind going into the exams on Wednesday morning and for the duration of the exam period.
Notes
On the evening before each exam subject, spend an hour or so looking over your notes so that the important concepts and ideas are fresh in your mind.
Heavy study sessions on the night prior to any paper are not a good idea as you will be exhausted the following morning. Instead, relax and get a good night’s rest.
Put all thoughts of the following day’s exam out of your mind. If you find it difficult to sleep, try a little leisure reading for a short while.
Personal Materials
Over the next few days check your equipment and assemble your exam materials – black or blue biros, pencils, ruler, eraser, drawing instruments, calculator and so on.
Have at least two biros in case one doesn’t work properly. It’s also time to organise your personal needs such as a watch and tissues.
Relax
A few nerves are normal on the first day so be prepared to deal with it. A relaxation exercise or maybe a shower to freshen up will do the trick.
Eat a nutritious breakfast as you’ll need the extra reserves of energy. Finally, go through your equipment checklist before leaving home.
Pre-Exam Mode
On Wednesday morning, 3rd June, arrive at the exam centre at least a half hour before the exam begins. For all subsequent exams be present about fifteen minutes before the appointed time.
Spend the few minutes before entering the exam centre on your own in peace and quiet. At all costs, avoid groups that are involved in last minute revision.
If you need to, go to the toilet before you enter the exam centre. Be in your seat a few moments before the exam begins. Synchronise your watch with the clock on the wall and use your watch or the clock to help you pace your work.
Exam Centre Check
Check your seat and desk for firmness and stability. A shaky desk or a wobbly chair will torment you and distract you during the exam.
When the answer book is distributed, fill in the required details and read the directions. When you receive your question paper read the instructions carefully in case there is any change of format.
Don’t be put off by your first glance at the paper. It’s new and it will look unfamiliar at first. Once the exam begins, keep to your prepared answering plan and address the questions that are asked.
Post-mortem
If you finish a paper before the time is up, do not leave the exam centre. Recheck your work and extra information may come to you.
Attempt an extra question only when you have thoroughly answered the required number of questions. Once an exam is over, spend as little time as possible on a post-mortem. Focus on the next paper and stay in exam mode until you finish your final subject.
Remember the Leaving Cert is a marathon rather than a sprint. When the entire exam is over, forget about it and enjoy your summer. There is no advantage in dwelling on what might have been. Be happy and satisfied that you have done your best.
Exam Results
Leaving Cert results are due out on Friday, 21st August and the CAO Round One college offers will quickly follow on Wednesday, 26th August.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) is holding a second set of exams from Thursday, 25th June to Saturday, 11th July for candidates who are unable to sit one or more papers in the main sitting in June on grounds of a close family bereavement – funeral preparation and attendance – or serious medical conditions – accident, injury or illness.
PROMISING
So, it’s looking very promising for exam candidates. You’ve done the hard work so go in and play a blinder. Good luck to all candidates starting state exams next week. May the force be with you all!
• Billy Ryle is a Career Guidance Counsellor and Educational Commentator
