Maths syllabus set for review after disappointing results

THE Government is to review the maths syllabus at all levels following the disappointing performance of this year’s Leaving Cert students in the subject.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey said he was happy with the improvement in subjects such as higher level Irish, art and German, but was concerned at grades achieved in maths with one in 10 students failing at pass level as well as history and chemistry at ordinary level.

The number achieving an A1 in ordinary level history was halved and those getting As in chemistry at the same level dipped by two-thirds.

Mr Dempsey said he wanted teachers in such subjects to study the observations and recommendations contained in the chief examiners' reports on such subjects.

Today's results show a significant dip in the number of A and B grades in higher and ordinary level maths.

Students taking higher level business also did not perform as well as last year.

But there is welcome news in today's results for those who were not happy with the biology paper, as the percentage of As and Bs in the subject at both levels is up.

The National Parents Council has teamed up with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors to offer today's exam students help in calculating their points and assessing their options.

"We know it is an extremely confusing and difficult time for those receiving Leaving Cert results," said NPC president Michael O'Regan.

Students who are disappointed with today's results should not make hasty decisions, Institute of Guidance Counsellors president Brian Mooney said.

"My advice to anyone getting results today is to take a deep breath and put off making any decisions for a day or two.

"Someone might be disappointed because they wanted to be an engineer but didn't get enough points.

"There are so many routes into most careers now that the options are still limitless."

Every student who sat the exam should be congratulated, according to ASTI president PJ Sheehy.

"To take the Leaving Certificate exam is an achievement. Leaving Certificate students have different goals and objectives and for some obtaining passes is as significant as others obtaining honours," he said.

The Irish Vocational Education Association's Michael Moriarty said it is now time for the department to issue application forms for grants to all VEC's as a matter of urgency so students eligible for grants can have them paid on time.

The NPC helpline, at 1800 265 165, will be in operation today from noon until 10pm and again tomorrow and Friday from 10am to 10pm.