Exam Diary: Many of this year's Leaving Cert students have had a path cleared to their exams - no house to run, no mortgage to pay and minimal responsibility. But for students like Patricia Kennedy studying for the Leaving is just one of her roles.
A wife, mother and carer, Patricia went into a tailoring apprenticeship 20-odd years ago when her peers were sitting their exams. Now she's coming back to tie up loose ends.
"I'm taking exams in six subjects over the next fortnight, as well as cleaning, parenting, cooking, shopping and chasing my tail," says a flurried Patricia. "In the midst of normal family life I'm trying to read Wuthering Heights, get through 100 years of Irish history, memorise equations. My head's in a buzz."
Patricia admits that the lines often become blurred between her roles. "I took the family out to Kilmainham Gaol yesterday. For them it was a day out - for me it was revision."
For the last few months Patricia has insisted on two uninterrupted hours in her room each evening. Her 13-year-old daughter is thrilled. "She can't believe I'm sitting the Leaving Cert this week. She's half in awe and half in stitches.
"Doing the Leaving as an adult is a completely novel experience. The teachers at Coláiste Íde treat us as equals. They give us loads of encouragement, and the atmosphere at the college is respectful and supportive. All kinds of students are taking courses there from people with disabilities to teenagers to mature learners. It's a really mixed campus, and I've loved studying there."
Having worked and raised a family, does Patricia find the Leaving Cert curriculum useful in the real world? "The subjects I've studied have opened up new worlds to me," she explains. "Studying English literature has really got my brain moving, and the art syllabus is just beautiful. The history course could do with updating!"
While apprehensive at the prospect of a three-hour history exam and two maths papers this week, Patricia is looking forward to getting stuck into these exams. "I've applied to study for a Diploma in Education in Trinity College through the Access Programme, and I'm through to the next round.
" If I get it, and get through, I reckon I could go for the degree. I can't believe this is me talking. I didn't plan any of this. I started taking local night courses, and it just snowballed."
When Patricia decided to get studying again she wasn't sure she had the ability to pick up where she left off.
Now she's facing this week's exams with confidence. "I thought I had lost it," she admits. "Wasn't I wrong?"
Her only regret is that she doesn't get to have a Debs Ball at the end of the exams.
"I badly need to dress up, go out and get drunk," she sighs. "But I guess we won't need an excuse."
Interview: Louise Holden