Last Wednesday saw the release of this year’s leaving cert results. For most they, hopefully, were a just reward for their hard work over the past two years.One startling trend has continued however, the uptake of higher level maths and math related subjects (physics and chemistry) is still ridiculously low. Only 16% of students took higher level maths and there were high failure rates across all three of these subjects.
The Government continually states its committment to a “smart” economy. One based on a highly educated workforce and advanced technology and innovative sectors. The creation of such a “smart” economy however necessitates more science and maths graduates, something that the current education system is failing to provide. Clearly the government is failing to deliver its promised “smart” worlfprce.
Next year I will be sitting the leaving cert so I am fully aware of the problems within the second level education system with regards maths and science subjects. Higher level maths is disproportionally difficult when compared to other subjects. The work required for a high grade in the subject is much more than required for a similar grade in any other subject.
It is unfair that both results should entitle their achiever to equal points but that is the way the current system works. This clearly discourages students to take higher level maths in an attemt to maximise points and therefore opportunities for the future. Now, not for one minute would I advocate the trend that dominates many other subjects and begin a process of “dumbing down” maths. Instead, there should be a points incentive for those that opt for higher level maths.
Two straightforward options present themselves. As used to be the case, a student who takes higher level maths could be awarded an extra number of points (the old system awarded an extra 10). I personally don’t like this though as a student is being rewarded simply for choosing a subject rather than working with it. My preffered option is one that is being touted with increasing regularity as of late. Students who opt for higher level maths could be allowed count it as two subjects when calculating CAO points. As in a recipent of an A1 grade in higher level maths would receive 200 points which they would add to four other results. As this in only an incentive if the student actually works at the subject and achieves a good grade, I think it is the better option as we want students with a better understanding of maths not just more students who spent four or so hours sitting an exam.
For real committment to the “smart” economy, the economy we need to establish in the future economic climate, the government needs to invest heavily in IT systems and science labs in schools aswell as truly incentivising students to study the science and maths subjects required for a “smart” labour market.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2009/0812/1224252418422.html
