Girls once again outperform boys in Leaving Cert

GIRLS have once again far outperformed boys with high grades in the Leaving Certificate, with little sign of course changes which might help close the gender gap.

Fri, 19 Aug, 2005 - 01:00

Niall Murray, Education Correspondent

Analysis of figures from the State Examinations Commission shows that male students got more honours grades - an A1 to C3 result - in only six out of 26 subjects examined at higher level. Those subjects were Latin, applied maths, engineering, construction studies, economic history and Arabic.

In ordinary level papers, girls did better in 21 subjects, with more boys getting honours only in history, agricultural science, engineering, technical drawing and economics.

These figures are in keeping with trends of past years and with international statistics, although the gap has narrowed somewhat in recent years.

However, some experts believe that the format of the assessment timetable continues to give girls an advantage, because of their better ability to organise study and to prepare in advance.

It has been planned to make some changes to the Leaving Certificate curriculum and examination procedures, many of which could give male students a better chance. These include more regular assessments, rather than requiring students to display their knowledge of a course in one day during the written Leaving Cert exams.

However, as reforms of the senior cycle are still under consideration by Education Minister Mary Hanafin, these amendments may take some time to be introduced.

John MacGabhann, education officer with the Teachers Union of Ireland, said anything that could assist boys in doing better would be welcome, but it would not be fair to make changes to specifically favour one gender.

"Some of the factors cannot be changed. For example, girls are generally more mature at the age they leave school and take a more focused approach to their exams," he said.

"The patterns of part-time work engaged in by boys are also less likely to facilitate study time," Mr MacGabhann said.

An area of particular concern around gender performance is the number of boys who sit higher level Irish, for which a C grade or better is required for aspiring primary school teachers.

While almost even numbers of boys and girls sat the subject at ordinary level this summer, there were 9,732 female higher level candidates compared to just 4,626 males.

Higher Level Honours grades

Figures show % who got a higher level A, B or C in most popular Leaving Certificate subjects

IRISH

Girls - 84.1%

Boys - 80.3%

ENGLISH

Girls - 79.2%

Boys - 71.8%

MATHS

Girls - 79.4%

Boys - 76.9%

FRENCH