Lowering exam thresholds: Be honest about the real world

A COMMON theme running through nearly all evidence given to the banking inquiry is that our light-touch regulation facilitated poor practice. However, it seems we have not learnt the core lesson. We are to replace light-touch regulation with light-touch school examinations.

Later this week, Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan is to bring a proposal to Cabinet which will devalue the Leaving Certificate.

It is proposed that students taking higher-level papers will pass a subject if they get a mark of 30% or above. The current 40% threshold for ordinary-level papers will stand.