Maths results decline - Teaching is falling short

With over 55,500 anxious young people getting their Leaving Certificate exam results today, it is worth noting that the impact of bonus points for college entry continued to rise when a record one-in-four maths students took higher level papers specifically to gain them.

However, a 10% drop in students who got an honours grade (A, B or C) is a worrying comment on the maths bonus system and reflects the need for improvement in how pupils are being taught. The danger is that dumbing down this vital subject could have a domino effect on university results and possibly turn hi-tech industry away from Ireland.

Having said that, it is essential for young people and parents alike to realise that important though exams may be for career prospects, there is more to life than the points system.