Chief scientific adviser backs bonus points for Leaving Certificate maths

THE Government’s chief scientific adviser has backed plans to give Leaving Certificate students extra college entry points for grades in higher level maths.

With a record low number of students – about one-in-six – expected to take the honours papers next Friday and Monday, moves to adopt the plan favoured by Education Minister Mary Coughlan are being considered by college chiefs.

Dr Patrick Cunningham said he favours the proposal and not just as a way of improving student interest in maths as a distinct subject for college courses. “If we get a good response to bonus points, you might have 25% [taking higher level] so we’re a long way from... overdoing it.