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Leaving Cert students receive results
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 14/08/2013.
Tags: Secondary School NewsThe wait is over for Leaving Certificate students across Ireland, as they are receiving their results today (August 14th).
Almost 56,000 pupils will be able to collect their grades this morning - and the figures point towards a marked increase in the number of people choosing to take the Higher Level Mathematics paper.
Indeed, this amount has climbed by 58 per cent since 2011 and suggest bonus points for Higher Level candidates and the introduction of a new maths curriculum is having a positive effect.
Ruairi Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills, has congratulated the 55,572 Leaving Cert students who are receiving their marks today. Mr Quinn stated: "I hope the results received reflect the work and the many hours of study that the students have committed to.
"While our congratulations and good wishes must be focused on the students who receive their exam results today, I also want to pay tribute to you the parents, families, teachers and school communities who have helped them reach this milestone."
He said it is particularly pleasing to see such a significant increase in the number of students opting to take Higher Level Maths, noting the new Project Maths syllabus and the additional 25 points that are available for those who achieve a D3 or higher have played an important role in this regard.
According to statistics released by the State Examinations Commission, 5,824 A1 grades were achieved by Leaving Cert students this year, with one individual being awarded nine A1s in their exams.
Despite the high number, this figure is slightly down - by 5.2 per cent - on the 6,144 A1s given in 2012.
It was also shown that the number of pupils taking Higher Level Irish has climbed from 14,358 in 2011 to 16,669 in 2013.
Mr Quinn said he welcomed this increase, explaining the government is committed to ensuring young people in Ireland know and love the Irish language, adding the new system of 50 per cent of marks being available for the oral and aural components of the exams is starting to pay off.
Written by Donal Walsh
SchoolDays
(14-08-2013 08:22)
Press Statement from ISSU
The Irish Second-Level Students Union would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all examination candidates upon receiving their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied results today.
Speaking today, the ISSU Education Officer, Robert C. ODonnell said;
Today will be the one of the most exciting times in your life, bringing to a close the results of 5 or 6 years of work from 1st year all the way to 6th year, and the beginning of the next chapter of your life. Today relax, and enjoy the opportunity to celebrate your work and your achievements. I and the ISSU would like to congratulate you on your success and hope you are happy with your choices and wish you all the best for the future. Dont forget that there are plenty of facilities available to students including school guidance counsellors, family & friends, exam helplines and online resources to help students during this time.
ISSU President, Mark Caffrey added;
On behalf of the ISSU I would like to congratulate all Leaving Cert and Leaving Cert Applied students who have put in a lot of hard work over the pas number of years which culminates in todays results. We are aware that many students still have concerns about the Project Maths syllabus, which is only in its second year of leaving cert examinations. In order to get student feedback on this issue, we are running a survey on www.issu.ie, the results of which we will feedback to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and the Department of Education and Skills.
SchoolDays
(14-08-2013 08:30)
Press Statement from ASTI
Teachers Proud of all their Leaving Cert Students
Today is an important day for all Leaving Certificate students and represents the culmination of five to six years of learning and effort, said ASTI President Sally Maguire.
This years Leaving Certificate students are a diverse group with different interests, talents, abilities and cultural backgrounds. We should be proud of each and every one of them and celebrate their uniqueness as they progress to the next stage of their lives.
Ms Maguire also paid tribute to all of the second-level teachers who have worked with these students over the past number of years and who are committed to delivering a holistic education to young people.
Despite pressures on second-level schools, teachers and students to prioritise exam results above other aspects of education, the Irish second-level education service continues to focus on the whole student. For example, Irish teachers continue to provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities for their students. Many of these activities take place outside of the school day. This commitment to delivering a broad and balanced education experience has significant benefits for young people, though outcomes like better physical and mental health are not as easily measured as exam results.
Finally, the ASTI President warned that second-level schools have been stretched to the limit following nearly five years of budget cutbacks. Many of todays Leaving Cert students were in First Year in 2008 when the then Government made the shock announcement that it was worsening the pupil-teacher ratio. Since then schools have been hit by a series of savage cutbacks. These students have experienced larger class sizes, less subject choice, and cuts to counselling and resource hours.