asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a significant difference in the distribution of the grade bands in the Irish Leaving Certificate as against grade bands in the United Kingdom and the United States, in that higher markings are required to obtain an A grade in Irish examinations than in examinations in other countries and that the misinterpretation of Irish grade bands tends to put Irish students at a disadvantage when competing for places overseas; and if she will initiate a change in the position with a view to rearranging the distribution of grade bands in the leaving certificate on a basis that is more in line with international practice.
Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Grading System.
387.
I am aware of the concern being expressed that students from this country may be placed at a disadvantage when competing for places in colleges in other countries because of the differences in the grading systems.
I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to set up a committee representative of interested parties to review and advise as soon as possible on the grading system, including the range of marks required for each grade, in the leaving certificate examination. I am sure this committee will bear the position in other countries in mind in their deliberations.