Vol. 541 No. 4
125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the higher than usual failure level in maths and engineering in the leaving certificate results for 2001; if he has identified possible causes for such a trend; if he has put in place procedures to address the issue; the steps he will take regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22976/01]
The achievements of students in higher level mathematics this year were better than normal, at foundation level they were about the same as in recent years, while at ordinary level they were below normal. The award of low grades in engineering has not increased. In fact the percentage obtaining a low grade in higher level engineering is lower than that for the last two years while the percentage obtaining a lower grade in ordinary level engineering is on a par with the figures for the last two years. The overall results for engineering as well as for mathematics at higher level and foundation level are satisfactory.
I have already expressed my concern at the incidence of low grades in leaving certificate ordinary level mathematics this year and have asked the Inspectorate to prepare a report on the matter. On the basis of the report I will then take appropriate action. I draw the Deputy's attention to the chief examiner's report for leaving certificate mathematics for 2000 as well as reports on junior certificate mathematics for 1998 and 1999 which are available on my Department's website or directly from my Department. A number of strengths and weaknesses are identified in these reports together with detailed recommendations for teachers and candidates. In addition, the current in-career development programme for teachers of mathematics at junior cycle should have the effect of improving the teaching and learning of mathematics at all levels, as teacher skills are enhanced and the range of classroom teaching strategies is broadened.
126 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to establish an independent body to run the State examinations; and the time scale proposed. [23007/01]
In June of this year the Government approved major structural reform of my Department. One of the major elements of this reform was the establishment of an examinations commission. The commission will be a body independent of the Department. It will be established under the terms of the Education Act, 1998, and will be headed by a board of commissioners. The commission will have overall responsibility for the certificate examinations within the general policy framework set by the Minister. Its work will include administering examinations, ensuring best practice and advising the Minister as required. It is envisaged that the commission will be headed by a chief executive and will have dedicated administrative and professional staffing.
The creation of an examinations commission with operational responsibility for the running of the examinations will bring us into line with international practice. Critically it will also allow the Department to focus to a greater extent on policy and evaluation as the commission takes over the day-to-day running of examinations. The planning process, including an intensive consultation process with staff, is already well advanced in my Department with a view to having the initial recruitment of top level staff commence in the early new year.
