(Cavan) asked the Minister for Education if he will state the percentage of failures in the 1971 leaving certificate examination in mathematics, physics and chemistry and agricultural science; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leaving Certificate Examination Failures.
52.
The information sought by the Deputy and which relates to candidates who obtained Grade E or lower at the Leaving Certificate Examination, 1971, is being given in the form of a tabular statement which with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
I do not feel that in comparison with the position in the previous year any special comment is called for from me.
Following is the statement:
Leaving Certificate Examination 1971
Results
|
Subject |
Level |
Failures Percentage |
|
Mathematics |
Higher Level |
10.29 |
|
Mathematics |
Ordinary Level |
26.01 |
|
Physics and Chemistry (Joint Course) |
Higher Level |
18.55 |
|
Physics and Chemistry (Joint Course) |
Ordinary Level |
41.88 |
|
Agricultural Science |
Higher Level |
19.80 |
|
Agricultural Science |
Ordinary Level |
43.80 |
(Cavan): Seeing that the Minister has not given the figures but has said no comment is necessary, is it not a fact that the failures in these particular subjects are alarming?
I would not say they are alarming. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that the subjects which he has mentioned in his question are very demanding as far as accurate knowledge is concerned. As I said, the comparison between the results of this year and last year show very little change.
(Cavan): I am told there were between 30 per cent and 40 per cent failures.
The remaining 225 questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
Could I have written replies to Questions Nos. 97, 99, 228 and 260?
That will be done.