High failure rates recorded in ordinary-level maths

A significant number of Junior Cert students have reportedly failed ordinary level maths and several language subjects.

Reports this morning said 7% of students had failed ordinary-level maths in this year’s exams, while 14% had failed ordinary-level French.

The reports said the numbers gaining honours in maths also fell from 80% last year to 73% this year.

The figures are likely to be interpreted as further evidence of a perceived crisis in maths among Irish youngsters.

Around 5,000 Leaving Cert students also failed maths this year, leaving them ineligible for the vast majority of third-level courses.