High exam grades spark concerns about ‘dumbing down’

The high number of students receiving top grades in the Leaving Cert has reportedly sparked fears about the “dumbing down” of the exam system.

Reports this morning said figures from the State Examination Commission had shown that the percentage of students receiving ‘A’ grades at higher level had trebled in the past 15 years, from 4% to 12%.

The figures also reportedly showed that the number of students failing higher level subjects had fallen by 40% in the same period.

This morning’s reports said “education sources” had expressed concern about the figures, but were reluctant to voice their concerns publicly for fear of belittling the achievements of students.