Anxious wait for 55,500 Leaving Cert students

MORE than seven weeks of waiting ends for approx-imately 55,500 students when they receive their Leaving Certificate results tomorrow.

Each of those getting their grades will be assessing how it impacts their college or training prospects, including about 3,200 who completed the Leaving Certificate Applied programme.

There is certain to be renewed focus on maths, with figures reported by the Irish Examiner in June showing a likely further decline in the numbers taking the higher-level papers.

There was criticism from many students and teachers about elements of the first higher-level Leaving Certificate maths paper, although the State Examinations Commission had insisted that all material examined was on the syllabus.

Last year, a record low 16% of maths candidates took the higher-level exam despite concerns from education and industry figures about standards and their effects on college dropout rates and graduate employability.

In an effort to improve standards, the Project Maths syllabus is being taught on a phased basis at the country’s 730 second-level schools. It was examined for the first time at 24 pilot schools last year. Parts of the course, which takes a more practical approach to the subject than previously, will be examined for the first time in next year’s Leaving Certificate, but pilot schools last year showed a higher proportion of students sitting higher-level papers.

The other measure aimed at increasing the uptake of higher-level maths will see third-level colleges offer bonus points to Central Applications Office (CAO) applicants who sit the tougher papers. This will come into effect next year on a trial basis for the first few years, while planned changes to teacher training are aimed at improving numeracy in pupils from primary school onward.

Almost 45,000 of those getting their results from the State Examinations Commission tomorrow will be anxiously awaiting next Monday’s Round 1 offers from the CAO of places at dozens of third-level colleges.

Although overall applicant numbers are down slightly on last year to 76,238, increased demand for degrees in science, engineering and technology could make the points needed for such courses higher than a year ago.

But the Leaving Certificate scores of those who apply and the number of available places are also key factors.

The National Parents Council Post-Primary helpline — 1800 265 165 — will operate again this year, opening tomorrow and Thursday from 8am to 7pm, 10am to 3pm on Friday and from 8am to 7pm again on Monday and Tuesday.

“We encourage students and their parents to call the helpline to obtain support from the fully qualified members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors,” said helpline co-ordinator Rose Tully.

Teachers’ Union of Ireland president Bernie Ruane said the service is important, particularly given the greatly reduced pastoral care available in many schools where positions such as year head have not been filled because of a public service promotions ban.