School watch: O'Connell's CBS, Dublin
Students and the principal at O'Connell's School in Dublin yesterday reacted positively to the release of the Leaving Certificate results, with most students saying they were satisfied with the marks they received.
James Molloy (18), who recently won a scholarship to study history and French in Maynooth College, was delighted with the 420 points he received. He is considering eventually becoming a teacher.
"The exams themselves flew along once they got started," he said. "I was nervous coming in. I knew I was going to pass, but whether I got enough points for the course I wanted was what I was worried about."
Brendan Comiskey (17) said he hoped to start an electrical apprenticeship now that he knew he had passed the exams.
"I failed Irish and French, but I wasn't planning to go to college," he said. "I needed to pass for my electrical apprenticeship . . . most of my mates seem to be grand, some didn't expect to get what they got. No one out here is crying."
School principal Mr Michael Finucane said: "The kids are happy. But the results are individual, because it depends very much on what they are looking for.
"The vast majority will have got what they were looking for, whether they are going to college or not." While "a handful" of students were disappointed with their performances, the school was emphasising the positives.
"They mightn't have got their first choice, but there are many ways around looking at a career," he said. "We're telling students that if you use your head and get advice, they have a back-up there. Second and third options can also be worthwhile."
However, Mr Finucane said some of his students who wished to go on to further education would not be able to do so.
One in 10 of this year's Leaving Certificate students in the school are non-nationals, who do not qualify for free fees under the current system.
"They see education, as we do, as being key. It is where they will contribute to and participate in society. It is frustrating . . . We're looking at kids and then they don't qualify for the funding that is necessary to go to third-level."