World Cup could have damaged exam success

More than 56,000 students are today receiving the results of their school-leaving examinations - amid suggestions that the World Cup could have damaged success rates.

The number who sat the mid-summer tests was the lowest for more than a decade in the wake of falling birth rates.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey said the grades gained by students aiming for third-level education was broadly in line with other years.

But he also indicated concern at lower achievements in history, maths and some science subjects.

Mr Dempsey said he would be asking for a review of the syllabus to address continuing worries about the appropriateness and relevance of the content of the examinations at all levels.

One theory being advanced for the drop in success levels in some subjects was that the exams went ahead while the World Cup soccer tournament was being played in the Far East and shown on TV, with some fixtures kicking off at around breakfast time and providing a major distraction.

The results were being handed to students this morning and being made available on the internet from 12 noon at www.examinations.ie.

University offer levels will be published next week.

The National Parents Council set up a helpline for students, staffed by members of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, which was scheduled to be open from 12 noon until 10pm tonight.

Meanwhile, the Union of Secondary Students called on young people getting their results to take part in a “mature” celebration.

A spokesman said: “While encouraging students to have fun, we would also urge them to take extra safety precautions to ensure their security.”