THE SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has appealed to the Education Minister Peter Weir to implement additional support measures for both students and teachers.
Speaking at Thursday’s Ad Hoc Committee on Covid-19 Response, Mr Durkan argued while there has been heavy focus on academic qualifications in recent weeks, consideration must also be directed toward mental wellbeing.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Recent discussion has been focused on academic qualifications and achievements but I think we need to realise this is an extremely stressful time for many students.
“There is a lot of anxiety, confusion and indeed in many cases regret that the option to improve on previous grades is no longer available.
“There is also a new pressure on teachers, which has been somewhat overlooked.
“They are still dealing with the new challenge of remote learning and now have this huge responsibility placed on them to virtually dictate the future choices of their students.
“This added pressure and uncertainty is no doubt taking its toll the mental wellbeing of our teaching workforce and their pupils.
“The Department and the Education authority must ensure that additional support can be given and details on how they can be accessed for those whose mental wellbeing is taking a bit of a battering at this tough time.”
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