Lack of accountability - Why do we tolerate this sloppiness?

It seems that blunders in exam papers have become as predictable as the splendid summer weather that arrives each year to distract students from the great, possibly life-defining challenges facing them. This year is no exception.

The winter-weather siege lifted and the sun shone magnificently almost as students sat down to be assessed on years of school work. Already, and long before the school exams even approach the closing straight, we have the 2013 episode — a multiple one — of the hardy annual Exam Paper Blunders.

Students sitting the CAO-points important Leaving Certificate higher level maths were given inaccurate information, which meant that the question could not be completed or that two conclusions could be reached. This will have an impact on some students’ third level options and no amount of spin will change that.