'Heartening' to see students signing up to sit exams Updated / Tuesday, 6 Apr 2021 17:50 The President of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland has said it is heartening to hear that many students have signed up to sit Leaving Certificate exams so far. Speaking at the ASTI Annual Convention Ann Piggott said her union are glad that a Leaving Cert is being held with second components. She said they had continually asked for adaptations to exam papers to offer choice and reduce strain, stress, anxiety and workload for students in the Leaving Cert this year. The changes made are helpful in doing so, she said, and should encourage students to sit exams.