Quinn: Repeating exams should be considered

THE option of repeating the Leaving Certificate should be carefully considered by students who are disappointed with their results today, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has suggested.

As 57,532 of this summer’s exam students receive their results from the State Examinations Commission (SEC) today, the minister is likely to face tough questions over how to address continuing issues with maths. The number taking higher level maths has fallen again — to below 16% for the first time — and almost one-in-10 ordinary level maths students have failed again this year.

While pointing to more positive results in the results of nearly 2,000 students taking the pilot Project Maths programme aimed at making the subject more relevant, he noted that work is needed to increase numbers taking higher level maths.

“I am hopeful that the continued roll-out of Project Maths and also the 25 bonus points which will be introduced for next year’s Leaving Cert students will improve these figures,” Mr Quinn said.

The extension of bonus college entry points, currently offered by University of Limerick, is one of a number of measures in the pipeline, along with plans to increase teacher training specifically to improve children’s maths and numeracy.

The overall grades in most subjects are similar to those of Leaving Certificate students of previous years, but Mr Quinn reminded those who may be disappointed with their own results that all is not lost.

“I would appeal to these students and their families to seriously consider repeating their exams. You are not a failure if you decide to give it a go again and it certainly is not a wasted year,” he said.

“If this one year gives you the opportunity to attack the exams afresh and achieve the third level course you have your heart set on, then it is certainly worth it,” Mr Quinn said.

Among those getting results today are 2,947 people who repeated one or more Leaving Certificate exams, slightly higher than last year but more than 1,000 more than in 2007. More than 3,600 people sat their exams in non-school settings, including some of the country’s prisons.

While much emphasis is placed every year on the highest achievers, the group representing management of almost 400 secondary schools said recognition must be given to the excellent achievements of those who fulfilled their potential, regardless of points scores.

SEC chairman Richard Langford said today’s results reflect not just the dedication of students, but also the support of their parents and teachers.

“In difficult economic times, these results can be a gateway for our young people to further and higher education or training and employment opportunities,” he said.