Irish teens high in world reading league

IRISH teenagers are among the best at reading in the developed world, according to an international survey.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study compared reading, maths and scientific literacy among 15-year-olds in 43 countries, including 28 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

But while we were fifth best in the reading stakes, our average scores on mathematical literacy placed us 17th. Irish students fared better in terms of science, placed 10th best among the countries surveyed.

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) said, while the results were a good sign for children who were still in school, it did not take account of those who had left education at the age of 15.

“There are huge numbers who are out of school already by that age and not even taking part in any schemes or training.

One-fifth of teenagers leave school before they reach the Junior Cert,” a NALA spokesperson said. “This report doesn’t say anything for those people, who we will be working to help at a later stage.”

Irish girls were better than their male counterparts at reading and scientific literacy, but the boys excelled in maths.

In common with most other countries, Irish female teenagers are more likely to read in their spare time.

The study found that 45% of Irish girls spend more than half an hour a day reading for enjoyment, compared to just 29% of boys.

The report also confirms that those from better-off backgrounds and whose parents completed second level or third level education were likely to perform best, particularly at reading.

The best overall countries, under the three categories of reading, maths and science, were Korea, Japan and Hong Kong-China.

Most non-OECD countries, particularly those in Latin America and some eastern European countries, scored lowest.