Concern has been raised once again about the low numbers of students choosing to sit higher-level maths and science papers.
Today’s Leaving Cert results show only 16 per cent of students took honours maths. Just 10 per cent of students took higher level chemistry, while just 8 per cent took higher level physics.
However, the number failing maths at all three exam levels fell to 8 per cent, according to the results with just over 4,500 students failing higher, ordinary, and foundation level maths.
Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe today urged students who achieve good results to consider studying for courses in the science, technology and engineering sectors. Mr O'Keeffe said the economic landscape worldwide has fundamentally shifted in the past 12 months and that education remains the gateway to opportunity.
"Education is the engine of growth in the knowledge and green economies which are now the focus of Government policy as we tackle the recession and build a future for our children,’ he said.
"I’d urge students who've performed well in the Leaving Certificate in relevant subjects to consider courses in the science, technology and engineering sectors. These areas offer qualifications vital to economic recovery and growth, with exciting career prospects for graduates," he said.
The Government is hoping its revised maths course, which is being piloted in 24 schools, will revive student interest in the subject. Project Maths, which promises a more student-friendly approach, will be examined for the first time in pilot schools in 2012.
But employers' group Ibec said that today's results show that plans to overhaul maths teaching at second-level must receive adequate resources and the full support of the education system if students’ mathematical levels are to improve.
“We need a new approach to maths teaching because low levels of proficiency are having a serious impact on science subjects with a high mathematical component, such as chemistry and physics. This year only 8 per cent of Leaving Certificate students took the higher level physics paper and 10.5 per cent took higher level chemistry," said Ibec head of Education and Social Policy Tony Donohue.
“Project Maths offers a more interactive and imaginative approach to teaching, which should help students to better understanding mathematical concepts and see their relevance to the world around them. However, it is critical that the programme is properly supported by professional development for teachers, high quality course materials and access to ICT facilities in the classroom, " he added.
ICT Ireland, a group that represents the Irish high-tech sector, also expressed concern with the consistently low numbers choosing to sit the higher-level maths paper. “While there was a marginal decrease in the failure rate in maths this year, the ever-decreasing number of students choosing to take higher-level remains a huge concern," said Aoife O'Brien of ICT Ireland.
“Ensuring that school-leavers have a firm grasp of maths is vital if Ireland is to develop as a leading Smart Economy, which supports knowledge-driven jobs. If we do not address the low numbers taking higher level maths, we run the risk of reducing the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for R&D, particularly in the field of engineering and science.
“ICT Ireland welcomes the decision by the Department of Education and Science to introduce a revised course in maths - Project Maths. We would urge the Government to continue to support and resource this initiative, as we believe it will have a significant impact on the teaching of maths in the future.
ICT Ireland also renewed its call for bonus points to be awarded for higher level-maths, to increase the attractiveness of the course.
Chambers Ireland also called for greater incentives to be offered to students opting to take higher-level maths and science papers.
"The Government, the Department of Education and Science and teaching staff must work collaboratively to introduce real and tangible incentives to encourage more students to take these and other science subjects at the highest level possible. As a knowledge-based economy we rely heavily on graduates with a deep
knowledge of mathematical sciences," said Ian Talbot, the organisation's chief executive.
The Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA), a group that represents the medical technology sector, expressed disappointment that the number of students taking higher level maths has continued to slide. However, it welcomed the almost 20 per cent increase in the number of first preference applications to third level science courses through the CAO system.
Elsewhere, Fine Gael warned of the dangers to Ireland's economy if the decline in maths and science participation is allowed to continue.
"Ireland will suffer unless science participation at Junior Certificate level is brought up to 100 per cent; there is 'root and branch' reform of maths teaching and learning and schools are 'clustered', allocating laboratory technicians to use these clusters to support science teaching, said the party's Education & Science spokesman, Brian Hayes.
Commenting on the results, Engineers Ireland, a body representing the profession, called for a "total overhaul" of the way in which maths and science is taught in secondary school.
"Engineers Ireland has already highlighted the direct link between the decreasing numbers studying these subjects and the shortage of engineers entering Irish industry" director general John Power said.
"The current situation where many teachers are teaching maths and the physical sciences without a specific qualification or significant training in these areas is unacceptable."
