Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/09/2011. 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
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.