They may have endured a difficult and traumatic year but, on the basis of today's results, the Leaving Cert class of 2001 have not only survived, they have prospered. Grades in most of the key subjects are generally higher than last year. Across virtually all 29 Leaving Cert subjects, this year's grades are consistent with previous years.
It is a remarkable showing by the students, the vast majority of whom could scarcely have had a more difficult winter.
They lost a dozen school days when colleges closed as a result of the ASTI strike action. More seriously, students were forced to endure continuing uncertainty about whether the exams would actually take place and whether they would be corrected. But the class of 2001 appear to be a resilient bunch who have taken it all on the chin.
How do we explain the general upsurge in marks, given all the disruption? The most important point to remember is that the Leaving Cert is a two-year course. Most teachers and most students are actually in revision mode by St Patrick's Day, so it may be that the loss of class time was less significant.
The Herculean efforts made by pupils themselves to make up lost ground, by studying at home or by attending extra classes in grind school, must also be a factor.
One teacher observed yesterday: "The strikes appear to have had a galvanising effect on many students. It made them more focused about the use of their study time. It made them more conscious about the need to focus on specific areas of the course, rather than the overall picture."
In fairness, great credit must also be given to secondary teachers - most of them ASTI members - who redoubled their efforts in the run-up to the exams. Once the dust settled in the dispute, practically every school in the State appeared to be offering extra classes at lunchtime or in the evenings as teachers worked to make up any lost ground.
One school principal recalled yesterday: "Once the dispute was put to one side, all of us wanted to concentrate only on our pupils. We made ourselves available through lunchtime and after school. I think every teacher wanted every Leaving Cert student to know that they were available right up to the exams if they needed help."
This year's Leaving Cert class also benefited from the rigidity of the Department of Education's marking process, which is designed to ensure consistency year-on-year. The marking of most subjects follows a very predictable pattern each year.
In higher-level Irish, for example, the numbers achieving an honours grade has fluctuated only marginally between 82 per cent in 1999, 80 per cent last year and 79 per cent this year. Seven per cent of candidates achieved Grade A1 in higher-level history this year, precisely the same as last year. In higher-level French, 68 per cent gained an honours grade in 1999 and in 2000. This year, 69 per cent gained an honour.
There are much wider variations within some subjects, of course, but in general there is a remarkable consistency. Fundamental to the Department's view is the belief that the academic ability of students does not change, at least over short periods, so there should be no sudden shift in standards.
Before they receive the exam scripts, the chief examiners in each subject are familiar with the pattern of previous years. The examiners tend to rely on this pattern as the last line of defence against potential irregularities in the marking system. They know that the grades awarded this year should follow this pattern.
Each ordinary examiner must also submit samples of their work to an advising examiner, who checks to see they are marking fairly and according to the accepted standard. The advising examiner is on alert to see if there is any serious deviation from the tried and trusted pattern.
If one examiner is awarding 10 per cent of higher-level Irish students an A1 when the general pattern indicates that about 3 per cent generally achieve this grade, then remedial action will be taken. Marks will be upgrade or lowered to ensure the standard being applied to all students is standardised.
Most of the Leaving Cert examiners correcting higher-level papers are very familiar with the system. As one source observed, most would have already "shown their mettle" in the Junior Cert exam and by correcting lower-level paper.
The rigidity of the marking system means that no group of students can buck the system, even if they have been victims of a damaging strike. The class of 2001 will be grateful that the marking system is so flexible year-on-year. The next task for most is to secure the coveted place in college.
There is also good news in this respect, with the points race easing in intensity for most courses as fewer students chase more places. The CAO offers will be available next Tuesday. This year's Leaving Cert class may have endured a great deal, but things are beginning to look up.