Supporting Students Who Stammer in Oral Exams

As the Leaving Cert oral exams approach, we understand that students who stammer may have concerns about how their speech will be received and assessed.

To support both students and examiners, the Irish Stammering Association has developed two resources to help make oral exams a fair and positive experience for all.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to download the resources!

1. Information for Examiners:

‍This document provides guidance for examiners on what stammering is, how it may present in an exam setting, and how to support a student who stammers during the oral exam.

2. Student Advocacy Sheet:

This resource is designed for students to share with their examiner ahead of time, explaining their stammer and highlighting what would help them communicate most comfortably during the oral exam.

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We urge you to share this sheet with your school and examiner ahead of time. The day of the oral exams is extremely busy for examiners, and they will need time to read your sheet beforehand. Your school can pass on your sheet and the information guide on your behalf.

Both documents are available to download and complete with your own information and preferences.

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Recent RACE Guidelines Update

In addition to these resources, we encourage readers to read our recent post on updates to the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) guidelines.

The latest changes provide important clarifications on the accommodations available to students who stammer, ensuring they have equal opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

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A Living Document – We Welcome Feedback

We see these resources as a work in progress and welcome feedback to ensure they best support students and examiners. If you have any suggestions or queries, please email us at info@stammeringireland.ie.

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Stammering and...Oral Exams

Online Talk for Students

ISA is hosting a free online talk with Secondary school teacher and examiner, Emily Foynes, on Tues 8th April 2025 at 7.30pm.

You can register for this talk here:

www.eventbrite.ie/e/stammering-and-oral-exams