Vol. 395 No. 2
86 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education whether advice has been given to her by the NCCA or by the Senior Cycle Mathematics Committee thereof on the introduction of a leaving certificate syllabus C mathematics course; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
88 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if she will give a progress report on and a completion date for the study of proposed senior cycle reform referred to in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 26 October 1989.
89 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education, having regard to her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 26 October, 1989 regarding senior cycle mathematics, the advice she will give to junior cycle students who will take the syllabus C examination in mathematics in June of this year; whether such students should study Leaving Certificate Mathematics ordinary where over 10,000 students score a grade D or lower; and whether such students in light of such a failure rate and in light of her comments of 26 October, 1989 should cease to study mathematics altogether.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 88 and 89 together.
The question of mathematics at senior cycle level, including the provision for pupils who are currently following syllabus C at the intermediate certificate level, has been the subject of correspondence between my Department and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The latest proposals from the council concerning senior cycle mathematics are at present receiving consideration in my Department. I am unable at present, therefore, to add to the reply given by me to Question No. 124 of 26 October 1989.
The council are at present examining the possible range and extent of curricular reform at senior cycle. This examination, and the consultative process involved in it, has not yet reached the stage where firm recommendations can be put to me. It is expected that this will be done within the next few months.
