Vol. 547 No. 2
23 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps he will take to tackle the growing problem of the increasing number of low grades in maths awarded in the leaving certificate; and his views on the direct correlation between this and students working part-time as reported by the chief examiner. [2749/02]
My first response to the lower than expected results in last year's ordinary level mathematics examination was to have the matter investigated within my Department from the widest possible perspective. This has been done and the report on the findings has been published. This is the report to which the Deputy refers. An immediate benefit of circulating this report widely is that public awareness of issues that influence the performance of students in ordinary level leaving certificate mathematics has been heightened. In particular, a comprehensive set of recommendations towards improvement has been made available to all concerned. Such awareness is important as schools, parents, third level insti tutions, employers and others have parts to play in addressing this problem.
The difficulties experienced by students in mathematics in the junior cycle are cited in the report, and indeed elsewhere, as one of the main causes of subsequent poor performance. I have taken a number of steps to address this issue. The syllabi for junior certificate mathematics have been revised. The objective of the revision is to ensure that students will be more competent in basic skills and that they will have deeper understandings of fundamental concepts. In addition, my Department is providing an extensive programme of in-career development for teachers. The aim of this is to widen the range of methodologies used by teachers in classrooms and to make the learning of mathematics more relevant and appealing to students. In this academic year so far, some 2,200 teachers have each had one day's in-service training and further opportunities are being made available.
The investigation also highlighted issues relating to the lack of recognition of foundation level mathematics by third level institutions. As a consequence, it appears that significant numbers of students may opt to take ordinary level mathematics even though the course is ill-suited to their ability levels. In the report, third level institutions and employers are strongly urged to review their entry requirements and in particular, to reconsider the position of students presenting with high grades in foundation level mathematics. My Department intends to establish equivalences between different levels of the subject in the near future with a view to facilitating such work.
In regard to students working part-time, the report goes no further than to suggest that this may be one of a number of possible explanations for the increase in the low grades. It stresses that concrete evidence to support this assertion is not available. The purpose of the suggestion is to draw attention to the possible negative effects of this growing phenomenon on achievement in leaving certificate mathematics.
24 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new leaving certificate examination subject in physical education will be introduced to post-primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2712/02]
The syllabus for leaving certificate physical education, which has been drawn up by a course committee of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, has undergone an extensive consultation process. The syllabus document will shortly be considered by the council of the NCCA.
