asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils who sat the music examination for the leaving certificate; if she will give a breakdown of the grades obtained; if she will make a statement on the methods by which the examination is marked; and if the marking is carried out by a person or persons in Ireland.
Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Music Examinations.
359.
A total of 1,312 candidates sat for the leaving certificate examination in music and musicianship in 1989. The breakdown of the grades awarded is as follows:
Higher Level: A — 20; B — 144; C — 440; D — 387; E — 41; F — 2. (Total: 1,034)
Ordinary Level: A — 0; B — 2; C—45; D — 169; E — 57; F — 5. (Total: 278)
The examination in this subject is made up of three separate elements — the written examination, the aural examination and either (a) a project and a sight reading test (Syllabus A) or (b) a practical test (Syllabus B). Each section of the examination is examined by duly appointed examiners in accordance with a prepared marking scheme. The marks awarded in each element are combined to arrive at the overall mark and grade to be awarded to each candidate.
All of the marking is carried out by examiners in Ireland.