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Exam focus 'leads to narrow Leaving Certificate courses'


Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/09/2011. Exam focus 'leads to narrow Leaving Certificate courses'Tags: Secondary School News

Many Leaving Certificate subjects offer students a narrow range of learning experiences, with a heavy focus on "covering the course", according to a new report.

A study by the Economic and Social Research Institute also revealed many sixth-year students feel they have a very heavy workload, with exam preparations revolving around practising previous papers.

Almost half of pupils in this year take grinds to help prepare for the tests, while a large number said they spend considerable amounts of time on homework and study and struggle to find a balance between the two.

Students also report a gap in standards between the junior and senior cycle, with schoolwork being significantly more demanding on entering the fifth year.

The study noted candidates are "acutely aware of the high stakes" that come with their Leaving Certificate exams and how it represents an important step for future job prospects, which may be contributing to high stress levels, particularly among girls.

This year's Leaving Certificate results showed disappointing pass rates for key subjects such as maths, which has led to the government offering more training to under-qualified teachers to try and improve performance in this area.

Written by Donal Walsh
 ADNFCR-2163-ID-800735085-ADNFCR


Comments

Roisin

(21-09-2011 09:46)


It's not only about maths though! Every subject is important and in every subject the pupils are taught how to answer questions, not how they can analyse and understand. It is very sad.

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