FE1 Exam Thread (Read 1st post!) NOTE: YOU MAY SWAP EXAM GRIDS

dobby896

Lawlaw12 wrote: »

True, surely the LS couldn't actually book venues etc. when its very unlikely that all counties would move back to level 2 after the 4 weeks

Hopefully some clarity will come our way v soon from the LS.

I don't fancy spending the next 3-4 weeks scrutinising and panicking over daily figures and whether the exams will actually go ahead

(btw I am keeping things in perspective and obviously this is a very challenging time for healthcare staff and those immunocompromised etc. but this is just an added stress which none of us need)

Pengo11

dobby896 wrote: »

Hopefully some clarity will come our way v soon from the LS.

I don't fancy spending the next 3-4 weeks scrutinising and panicking over daily figures and whether the exams will actually go ahead

(btw I am keeping things in perspective and obviously this is a very challenging time for healthcare staff and those immunocompromised etc. but this is just an added stress which none of us need)

I agree, as bad as it is there are people with mortgages etc who haven’t worked in months so it’s important to keep it in perspective.
But I find myself refreshing twitter every few minutes to see if there’s an update and the sense of worry and stress of studying for something that might not happen has impacted my study and my mental health too, hopefully not alone on that one. Would really hope the law society have an answer ready soon

AlexTG356

Why are the Law Society not allowed to run socially distant exams in multiple venues with low numbers, when schools are teaching classes with 30 plus students in them?
I sat the socially distant August exams and felt perfectly safe. Is there some distinction in the government’s rules between educational exams such as the FE1s and classroom teaching?
I can appreciate the multiple difficulties associated with organising online FE1 exams, due to the number of people registered, but I don’t see why the Law Society aren’t allowed to conduct an even more controlled version of the August sittings, when schools are fully operating.

Lawlaw12

Pengo11 wrote: »

I agree, as bad as it is there are people with mortgages etc who haven’t worked in months so it’s important to keep it in perspective.
But I find myself refreshing twitter every few minutes to see if there’s an update and the sense of worry and stress of studying for something that might not happen has impacted my study and my mental health too, hopefully not alone on that one. Would really hope the law society have an answer ready soon

You're definitely not alone in that!!

LawStudent999

Frankly, while nothing would surprise me at this point, I can't imagine that given this extension of restrictions, the plans of the LS to hold exams come week 1 of November still stand? This is purely speculation on my part but I got the impression that the dates they had set out, following the initial Level 3 announcement a few weeks ago, were subject to restrictions being reduced following the 3 week period. Given that the restrictions have now been extended this surely throws their predicted dates for examination off course?

YcL

AlexTG356 wrote: »

Why are the Law Society not allowed to run socially distant exams in multiple venues with low numbers, when schools are teaching classes with 30 plus students in them?
I sat the socially distant August exams and felt perfectly safe. Is there some distinction in the government’s rules between educational exams such as the FE1s and classroom teaching?
I can appreciate the multiple difficulties associated with organising online FE1 exams, due to the number of people registered, but I don’t see why the Law Society aren’t allowed to conduct an even more controlled version of the August sittings, when schools are fully operating.

Agree 100%

Fe1erere

AlexTG356 wrote: »

Why are the Law Society not allowed to run socially distant exams in multiple venues with low numbers, when schools are teaching classes with 30 plus students in them?
I sat the socially distant August exams and felt perfectly safe. Is there some distinction in the government’s rules between educational exams such as the FE1s and classroom teaching?
I can appreciate the multiple difficulties associated with organising online FE1 exams, due to the number of people registered, but I don’t see why the Law Society aren’t allowed to conduct an even more controlled version of the August sittings, when schools are fully operating.

Well put Alex.

I have to echo the above sentiment.

I sat the August sittings and felt very safe, it was extremely well organised and I would be more than happy to proceed in November as long as the restrictions do not increase to level 4 or beyond.

Allow Fe1 candidates to sit the November sittings if they wish.

Fe1student1234

Fe1erere wrote: »

Well put Alex.

I have to echo the above sentiment.

I sat the August sittings and felt very safe, it was extremely well organised and I would be more than happy to proceed in November as long as the restrictions do not increase to level 4 or beyond.

Allow Fe1 candidates to sit the November sittings if they wish.

I agree however logistically and according to restrictions no indoor gatherings can happen at level 3 or above

Fe1erere

Fe1student1234 wrote: »

I agree however logistically and according to restrictions no indoor gatherings can happen at level 3 or above

How do schools operate under levels 3,4 /5?

Fe1student1234

Fe1erere wrote: »

How do schools operate under levels 3,4 /5?

Schools stay open ( we will probably see schools close if we move to level 5 due to union pressure and risks)

We’re not a school or a college technically

We’re external people sitting exams made by the law society

Colleges and further education can go ahead but they have agreed to hold nearly everything online due to possible transmission rates

The only way they can go ahead in level 3 or above is online and we apparently can’t do that

Fe1erere

Fe1erere wrote: »

How do schools operate under levels 3,4 /5?

Schools remain in operation under levels 3,4 or 5.

In any event, you agree so we are on the same page.

Pengo11

Fe1erere wrote: »

How do schools operate under levels 3,4 /5?

Having postponed the sittings because of level 3 previously, I’m not sure if the law society would be willing to put them on this time around in level 3. If that’s the case could we not have just sat them originally this month? I’d love them to go ahead but at the same time would also be frustrating if they’re only now committed to a sitting at level 3 lol

Fe1erere

Pengo11 wrote: »

Having postponed the sittings because of level 3 previously, I’m not sure if the law society would be willing to put them on this time around in level 3. If that’s the case could we not have just sat them originally this month? I’d love them to go ahead but at the same time would also be frustrating if they’re only now committed to a sitting at level 3 lol

Perhaps they had little time to prepare for the lvl 3 measures that came into effect before the October sitting?

I'll gladly sit them in November and get over the previous postponement.

See below from Gov.ie, level 3:

"Further, higher and adult education to escalate all appropriate protective measures and limit congregation as far as possible."

We certainly fall into the education sector as above so if there is a will to sit these exams I'm sure it can be put into effect.

dobby896

Nationwide Level 3 in place until October 27th.

I really sincerely hope that the LS don't just adopt a "wait and see approach" and give us some clarity ASAP.

Don't wait to be biting our nails for the next few weeks.

Fe1erere

Fe1erere wrote: »

Well put Alex.

I have to echo the above sentiment.

I sat the August sittings and felt very safe, it was extremely well organised and I would be more than happy to proceed in November as long as the restrictions do not increase to level 4 or beyond.

Allow Fe1 candidates to sit the November sittings if they wish.

I sat in one of the Cork venues and while I felt ok due to the social distancing and thankfully lower numbers in August, there was no enforcement of mask wearing in the hall. I’m sure if you tried enter without one you would be stopped, but once we were seated there was a number of people had them around their chin/removed their mask completely

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I sat in one of the Cork venues and while I felt ok due to the social distancing and thankfully lower numbers in August, there was no enforcement of mask wearing in the hall. I’m sure if you tried enter without one you would be stopped, but once we were seated there was a number of people had them around their chin/removed their mask completely

Not saying I wouldn’t sit them if we were permitted - the delays are very stressful. But just a point to be made that the LS may need stricter invigilators/enforcement of proper mask wearing

Fe1student1234

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I sat in one of the Cork venues and while I felt ok due to the social distancing and thankfully lower numbers in August, there was no enforcement of mask wearing in the hall. I’m sure if you tried enter without one you would be stopped, but once we were seated there was a number of people had them around their chin/removed their mask completely

I sat them in the LS and we were told we didn’t have to wear them whilst doing the exam

Pengo11

dobby896 wrote: »

Nationwide Level 3 in place until October 27th.

I really sincerely hope that the LS don't just adopt a "wait and see approach" and give us some clarity ASAP.

Don't wait to be biting our nails for the next few weeks.

Thanks for this. Where did you find this can I ask? Can’t see anything atm

Fe1student1234

Pengo11 wrote: »

Thanks for this. Where did you find this can I ask? Can’t see anything atm

Me either
There hasn’t been an announcement yet so nothing is confirmed

I’d say it’ll be at 9

dobby896

Pengo11 wrote: »

Thanks for this. Where did you find this can I ask? Can’t see anything atm

My primary source is currently Richard Chambers on Twitter lol

He is reliable though, everything he says does seem to be always accurate

Fe1erere

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I sat in one of the Cork venues and while I felt ok due to the social distancing and thankfully lower numbers in August, there was no enforcement of mask wearing in the hall. I’m sure if you tried enter without one you would be stopped, but once we were seated there was a number of people had them around their chin/removed their mask completely

Ok, so you had a poor experience as the protocols weren't followed. They should have worn the mask for the duration of the exam. This should be brought up with the law society prior to the next sitting there.

In my experience the RDS was very safe. Parking arrangements were sensible, everyone wore their masks for the full 3 hours and everyone was observed sterilising their hands upon entry and exit to their exam hall. The organisers minimised parties crossing paths as much as possible and I felt safe.

They'll need to mirror my experience if November can proceed

Fe1student1234

Taoiseach is making the announcement at 9 !

Fe1erere

Fe1erere wrote: »

Ok, so you had a poor experience as the protocols weren't followed. They should have worn the mask for the duration of the exam. This should be brought up with the law society prior to the next sitting there.

In my experience the RDS was very safe. Parking arrangements were sensible, everyone wore their masks for the full 3 hours and everyone was observed sterilising their hands upon entry and exit to their exam hall. The organisers minimised parties crossing paths as much as possible and I felt safe.

They'll need to mirror my experience if November can proceed

Yes your experience seems far better! Have to admit if it was mentioned we didn’t have to wear masks as someone mentioned above - I think I would leave the exam hall

Fe1erere

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Yes your experience seems far better! Have to admit if it was mentioned we didn’t have to wear masks as someone mentioned above - I think I would leave the exam hall

It really was and that gives me confidence that it could be safely replicated.

It clearly said in the exam pack sent out to everyone, on the letter, that masks should be worn throughout the exam 👠yeah the invigilators should have clamped down on people taking them off or not wearing them correctly, poor on their part.

Hazel774

Fe1student1234 wrote: »

I sat them in the LS and we were told we didn’t have to wear them whilst doing the exam

It was the same in my exam hall, I had a different invigilator for both exams and each time they announced to us that we could take off our masks if we wanted to, despite no one even asking if we could take them off.

That being said, I would still sit them in November if we can just to get them over with, the delays are just so disheartening

Lawlaw12

Also really hoping they find a way to let us sit them in November, it would be awful if they were postponed again.
But if the whole country is in level 3 we will not be able to travel between counties, so I can't see how they could go ahead with a physical sitting, unless they managed to sort a venue in each county (which would also prevent larger gatherings at venues), but I think that's highly unlikely.

Regardless, the LSI need to put contingencies in place, as said above they cannot adopt a 'wait and see' approach yet again, we need some clarity as they delays and uncertainty are very unfair on candidates.

Fe1erere

Lawlaw12 wrote: »

Also really hoping they find a way to let us sit them in November, it would be awful if they were postponed again.
But if the whole country is in level 3 we will not be able to travel between counties, so I can't see how they could go ahead with a physical sitting, unless they managed to sort a venue in each county (which would also prevent larger gatherings at venues), but I think that's highly unlikely.

Regardless, the LSI need to put contingencies in place, as said above they cannot adopt a 'wait and see' approach yet again, we need some clarity as they delays and uncertainty are very unfair on candidates.

Level 3 allows travel for essential journeys so that includes education so people can travel

Lawlaw12

Fe1erere wrote: »

Level 3 allows travel for essential journeys so that includes education so people can travel

I would have considered travelling to these exams an essential journey too, but apparently when the restrictions came in for Kildare, Laois and Offaly the Law Society emailed people in those 3 counties telling them not to come to the exam, even though people from those counties were still permitted to travel for essential reasons and essential work

Of course it's different now with the restrictions on every county, so I guess the Law Society will have to make a decision on that. At the end of the day we would only be travelling up for a couple of days, so hopefully they will find a way to let them go ahead!

ruby1998

Really don’t fancy holding my breath watching case numbers for the next 3 weeks..

Pengo11

Will the law society give an update do we think?

dobby896

ruby1998 wrote: »

Really don’t fancy holding my breath watching case numbers for the next 3 weeks..

The actual thought of this ffs

maggie95

Pengo11 wrote: »

Will the law society give an update do we think?

I think we'd be quicker waiting for a vaccine

Jenosul

Pengo11 wrote: »

I agree, as bad as it is there are people with mortgages etc who haven’t worked in months so it’s important to keep it in perspective.
But I find myself refreshing twitter every few minutes to see if there’s an update and the sense of worry and stress of studying for something that might not happen has impacted my study and my mental health too, hopefully not alone on that one. Would really hope the law society have an answer ready soon

I agree. It’s so difficult to study and also the worry of obtaining a contact after completed. I too find myself trying to check for updates as many of us are. I hope the LS consider the stressful conditions we are facing. The impact it is having on different students varies and mental health is of the upmost importance. Also some of us are in contact with people in the high risk category or sadly we won’t know how the virus would impact us individually. This group is designed to be a supportive environment and I am glad others sharing that they are are experiencing the same worries and stress. I hope despite the current circumstances we will all get through this together and continue to help each other be it exam/study tips or exchanging notes and grids. As future colleagues we can pull together help each other through this.

Lallers96

I haven't looked here all day now because I spent the entire day not eating or studying and just moping about the house because the stress of all this has really gotten to me - between the exams and COVID I am really, really sick of it. There is obviously a huge level of uncertainty with this virus and I understand that, but then the government have EXTREMELY inconsistent regulations and "recommendations" that apparently aren't worth enforcing because I have personally seen pubs packed to the rafters with people, I've seen shops like Tesco and Dunnes and ALDI etc. all packed with people not distancing and the odd idiot not wearing a mask. This adds to the uncertainty and the general stress of life, as if life wasn't stressful already

Then to compound this I decided 2020 was a great flipping time to start these exams and the Law Society have made things 1 million times more stressful. The lack of communication to students across the country is a shambles, I've never seen anything like it. I cannot understand the resistance to online exams, which have worked for other professions such as barristers or accountants. I can only imagine law firms in 2 or 3 years time are wondering "where the hell are all the applicants and new trainee solicitors?" and my answer will be, ala Joker, "you get what you f*cking deserve".

I am completely unmotivated as I cannot see ANY way these exams can be held at all in 2020, full stop. We are not going to be going down to level 2 in Dublin as things stand and we are seriously running out of time. One more delay and it'll be Christmas time and offices close and boom...no exams. Simple solution, put them online. They should have known this for months now, and while I felt okay (albeit a little worried) at the August sitting, it's not feasible to just wait and wait and wait and see what happens tomorrow, or next week, or next month.

The fact is I'm not waiting and I won't be the only one downing tools. I'm not studying anymore endlessly hoping that COVID magically goes away in Dublin. I'm very close to just closing the books and picking them up in 2021 because I can't stand waiting and hoping for the impossible. If they go online, great but if not then good luck - it's no longer worth the stress.

Lallers96

Like what gets me is it's fine for schools and colleges to go ahead, even at level 5, but not post grad exams???

No indoor or outdoor gatherings at level 5, most people's jobs on hold again, but it's fine to have 30+ people in a room, and about 600+ in a school (just using my old one as an example).

StabiloLaw

Fe1erere wrote: »

Level 3 allows travel for essential journeys so that includes education so people can travel

I thought this for the August sitting, but I got an email saying not to go as my address was in Offaly.

legallyginger

Lallers96 wrote: »

I haven't looked here all day now because I spent the entire day not eating or studying and just moping about the house because the stress of all this has really gotten to me - between the exams and COVID I am really, really sick of it. There is obviously a huge level of uncertainty with this virus and I understand that, but then the government have EXTREMELY inconsistent regulations and "recommendations" that apparently aren't worth enforcing because I have personally seen pubs packed to the rafters with people, I've seen shops like Tesco and Dunnes and ALDI etc. all packed with people not distancing and the odd idiot not wearing a mask. This adds to the uncertainty and the general stress of life, as if life wasn't stressful already

Then to compound this I decided 2020 was a great flipping time to start these exams and the Law Society have made things 1 million times more stressful. The lack of communication to students across the country is a shambles, I've never seen anything like it. I cannot understand the resistance to online exams, which have worked for other professions such as barristers or accountants. I can only imagine law firms in 2 or 3 years time are wondering "where the hell are all the applicants and new trainee solicitors?" and my answer will be, ala Joker, "you get what you f*cking deserve".

I am completely unmotivated as I cannot see ANY way these exams can be held at all in 2020, full stop. We are not going to be going down to level 2 in Dublin as things stand and we are seriously running out of time. One more delay and it'll be Christmas time and offices close and boom...no exams. Simple solution, put them online. They should have known this for months now, and while I felt okay (albeit a little worried) at the August sitting, it's not feasible to just wait and wait and wait and see what happens tomorrow, or next week, or next month.

The fact is I'm not waiting and I won't be the only one downing tools. I'm not studying anymore endlessly hoping that COVID magically goes away in Dublin. I'm very close to just closing the books and picking them up in 2021 because I can't stand waiting and hoping for the impossible. If they go online, great but if not then good luck - it's no longer worth the stress.

I really felt this....is anybody genuinely considering (those who can) just leaving November and waiting for March? Feel this is nearly the best option at this rate

Lealaw

legallyginger wrote: »

I really felt this....is anybody genuinely considering (those who can) just leaving November and waiting for March? Feel this is nearly the best option at this rate

Definitely, thinking this myself. I don't even know if we can do that, I have paid and all. Just can't find the motivation to keep studying with no goal and if I hear a week before they are on .. it will be a disaster.

ruby1998

Honestly, unless they confirm tonight that they will 100% be on in some capacity, I don’t think I can keep studying every day. It’s hard enough to motivate yourself to study coming in from work, without this constant uncertainty. Just feels like a waste of time..

awsah

ruby1998 wrote: »

Honestly, unless they confirm tonight that they will 100% be on in some capacity, I don’t think I can keep studying every day. It’s hard enough to motivate yourself to study coming in from work, without this constant uncertainty. Just feels like a waste of time..

I feel the exact same!

sh_owens

ruby1998 wrote: »

Honestly, unless they confirm tonight that they will 100% be on in some capacity, I don’t think I can keep studying every day. It’s hard enough to motivate yourself to study coming in from work, without this constant uncertainty. Just feels like a waste of time..

Have people contacted the Law Society regarding this yet? I haven't got a repsonse to any of the emails I've sent in weeks now...

Pengo11

Do you just ring the general number and ask to be put through to the fe1 section? Can’t find a contact number to the fe1 section specifically

Fe1student1234

Pengo11 wrote: »

Do you just ring the general number and ask to be put through to the fe1 section? Can’t find a contact number to the fe1 section specifically

Yeah you do!

dobby896

Pengo11 wrote: »

Do you just ring the general number and ask to be put through to the fe1 section? Can’t find a contact number to the fe1 section specifically

There is a designated helpline (albeit an email address) on the website

IgoPAP

It's just too much for me aswell. I think I'm going to cancel this most recent sitting and apply for March having studied an extra few exams in the meantime. Anybody think this is a good plan? I can't do any studying under these conditions.

Aoibhin511

IgoPAP wrote: »

It's just too much for me aswell. I think I'm going to cancel this most recent sitting and apply for March having studied an extra few exams in the meantime. Anybody think this is a good plan? I can't do any studying under these conditions.

I'm almost thinking the same but unfortunately, there's no guarantee that we won't still be in this same situation in March, so I think I'm going to stick with it for now.

Vegetarian2017

If the restrictions are till 26th October (open to correction) which is the midterm break rest assured they will not be putting the country at level 2 till weeks thereafter going on previous experience. We know the law society will not be availing of online in 2020 which leaves the only option of them confiirming they are postponed till the end of November/early December. By the end of October with the whole country being restricted it would hopefully lessen the numbers a great deal giving comfort to all to continue study. As of today there is no comfort but can almost guarantee they will not be going ahead first week of November unless there is a miracle.

rickmatt

Will the LS make an announcement this week???

Wonderstruck

Coopie wrote: »

What r the chances of people getting an exception who have 1 exam left and want to start the Hybrid in December?

They'll probably just push back the hybrid it's starting 9 days before Christmas, they could probably push it back until after Christmas easily enough. Idk how far they're willing to push it back.

They've already said no date in regards the Hybrid is set in stone. I'll keep you all updated as I've applied to the Hybrid

lsheehaneire

I emailed this morning and got the generic response :-

Thank you for your email. 

 

We are receiving a very large volume of queries and will get back to you as quickly as possible.

 

In the meantime, you may find the following information helpful.

 

Next Sitting of the FE-1

 

Information about the next sitting of the FE-1 can be found here

 

Apply for the November 2020 sitting

 

If you have already  submitted an application for the October sitting, this application will be automatically transferred to the November sitting.  If you wish to apply to sit further subjects you may do so.

 

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 30 September.

 

Kind regards,

Molly

******************************************

Nice one Molly !!