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Secondary school exams "not fit for purpose"


Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 10/05/2011. Secondary school exams Tags: Education And Politics

The way in which students leaving secondary school are tested is outdated and failing the country's youth, according to one university chief.

Ferdinand von Prondznski, principal of Robert Gordon University in Scotland, writes in the Irish Times that the current points system of determining university places based on their results in the Leaving Certificate exams is fatally flawed.

He explained that under the current rules, those studying difficult, yet less popular subjects, may be able to have a lower score than an individual seeking to go on to an easier, but more popular course, who will need to stand out from the competition.

"Therefore the examination results needed to study the subject of your choice are determined not by academic criteria but by the popularity of the subject," Professor Von Prondznski stated, which leads to secondary school students making poor course choices.

He added that an announcement from Education Minister Ruairi Quinn that he has asked university heads to come up with a new system for third level entry is hugely welcome.

Last week, the Irish Times reported that proposals for changes should be submitted by the beginning of September.

Written by Donal Walsh
 ADNFCR-2163-ID-800525579-ADNFCR


Comments

Roos

(10-05-2011 12:13)


At last, someone has seen the light. Too late for my eldest son, though, who is now in leaving cert year and under extreme stress...

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