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Junior Cert 14 students switch to honours maths
Posted by Sally O'Brien, on 10/09/2014.
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Tags: Education And Politics Parenting Teachers
Minister for Education & Skills, Jan O’Sullivan has congratulated the 60,327 students who will receive their Junior Certificate results today, with results showing that more than half of all students are switching to higher maths.
The results, which will be released in the schools this morning and will also be available online at 4pm today, have seen an increase by 1% of total students sitting their Junior Cert; an increase that has been growing steadily for the last decade.
The switch to higher maths has been fueled by the 25 extra CAO bonus points students will receive if they complete their Leaving Cert with the higher paper.
The bonus points were introduced in 2012, which has been immediately successful in luring students to the higher maths paper with record number of Leaving Cert students passing the paper this summer.
The bonus point scheme was created to lure students back to subjects like science and maths which are in high demand by Irish engineering and technology industries who want to attract and supply more investment by foreign companies with high quality technology graduates.
Other subjects such as honors English and Irish have also seen a rise in student numbers partaking this year. This year, 75pc of Junior Cert English candidates opted for higher level, compared with 73pc last year, and 70pc in 2011.
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SchoolDays
(10-09-2014 09:04)
Statements from ASTI 10/09/14
Teachers proud of their Junior Cert students, says ASTI leader
ASTI President Philip Irwin has sent a message of congratulations to all of the students for their achievements, and also to the teachers and parents involved in this years Junior Certificate Examinations.
The Junior Cert gives young people their first experience of the state exams process and is invaluable in guiding them as they prepare for Senior Cycle and the Leaving Cert, said Mr Irwin. Consistent national standards are protected by the Junior Cert exam and this is vital in the context of the cutbacks schools have suffered over the last six years. It is an important midpoint for students in second-level schools, as it helps them understand the value of a State Exam. In addition, students develop life skills such as time management, self-discipline and establishing personal goals.
There is evidence of significant public support for the ASTIs position that teachers should not assess their own students for certification purposes. It is possible to transform the Junior Cycle without losing what works well and what is valued by students, teachers and parents.
Regardless of individual grades, this is an important milestone for all students. Every student has a unique set of talents, abilities, skills and interests and it is this uniqueness that we should celebrate today, said the ASTI President.
I would encourage all students to celebrate in a safe manner. If you are celebrating with your friends make sure your parents are involved in your plans, concluded Mr Irwin.