A new report due for publication today (September 7th) may mean major changes for school kids who have just received their Leaving Cert results.

Proposals suggest college places could be allocated to students in two different ways, the Irish Times reports.

While the first is a general lottery, the other would look at a person's Leaving Cert results and give them preferential access to courses more suited to their achievements.

This means those with high scores in science, for example, would be given preference on similar courses when applying for further education.

The plans are being considered by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn and would do away with the current scheme whereby third-level education places are determined by a points system.

Mr Quinn today launched details of the Transition or Transaction Conference on transition from second to third level education, organised by the Higher Education Authority and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The conference will take place on September 21st.

 

According to former Vice-President of University College Cork Dr Áine Hyland, the current numerical score system is having a negative effect on second-level learning, the newspaper stated.

Students received their Leaving Cert results on August 17th this year and the Irish Business and Employer's Confederation claimed some poor performances show reforms are needed to improve standards in maths and science.

Written by Donal Walsh 

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