I raise this matter because of major concern about the marking system for classical studies in schools in the Cork area, with particular reference to Hewitt College. I wish to outline some relevant statistics. In 2001, 65% of students who took classical studies obtained either an A or B grade and no student failed. In 2002, 3% of the students in that college obtained a B grade only, no student obtained an A grade and the most disturbing feature was that 50% of the students failed.
I made it my business to look at the national statistics for previous years. In 2000, there were 727 candidates of whom 8.7% received an A grade, 25% received a B, 33% a C and 23.4% a D, with 9.9% failing. By comparison, there were 920 candidates in 2002, of whom 1.6% received an A, 20.5% received a B, 29.2% received a C, 24.9% received a D and 18.1% failed. I emphasise that the teachers involved were highly experi enced and highly regarded within the schools. In the case of Hewitt College, the teacher was an examiner in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He was aware of the course content and the required standard of answering. This year, having reviewed the papers of the students concerned, there was an expectation that a reassessment would result in a major overall change in the marking system. It has been a traumatic experience for students, parents, teachers and schools in Cork.
The whole situation is ridiculous, as illustrated by the following example of one outstanding student. He got 550 points and qualified for medicine but failed in classical studies. From talking to that student, the parents and teachers, the consensus is that under no circumstances would a student who achieved that mark possibly fail classical studies. I have spoken to educational psychologists who have examined the comparative percentages for recent years and they have said the disparity in the figures for this year is absolutely impossible to explain. It is not logical, practical or justifiable and raises serious questions about the examination and the marking system for classical studies papers.
In raising this matter, I am concerned for the students and for equity, fairness, equality, transparency and justice. Students of this year's classical studies course have suffered to the extent that they are dismayed and feel betrayed at being denied a coveted college place in a course of their choice. Many of those students who are repeating the course question the justification of having a further year of study thrust upon them. I ask the Minister of State to satisfy herself beyond all doubt that the system has worked properly in this case. As she is aware, 20,000 papers are being reviewed in the UK. I urge her to arrange an independent review of the papers and the marking system for classical studies and to secure justice for the students concerned. I believe the system has wronged them. I would not raise the matter unless I was certain their claim is justified and that action is necessary to rectify the situation.