Maths bonus points cost me college place
August 22, 2012
As a Leaving Cert student I believe that the introduction of bonus points for higher level maths has not only affected students who wish to study in the areas of science and maths, it has manipulated the entire points system.
On receiving my CAO offer, I learned that I had been denied my first choice, Law and Irish. Although I achieved 525 points in my Leaving Cert, I was out by a mere 5 points. Having worked consistently for two years I was understandably devastated, as the course had risen by a huge 30 points. However, my situation is not unusual as university courses, be it in the areas of science or even linguistics, have risen astronomically due to the new points system.
Where students should rightfully be tested on their personal skills and talents, the system is instead based on students’ abilities to retain information and perform under severe pressure in exam situations.
Having obtained an A2 in higher level Irish I feel that this should influence my suitability for my chosen course in some way. However, as a result of a lack of mathematical ability, I, along with many others, have been deprived of a course that has very little relevance to maths or science.
While it may be too late for me, I sincerely hope that Ruairí Quinn and his wise colleagues realise that the ideological decision to award 25 bonus points to all honours maths Leaving Cert pupils was unjust and unfair to many hardworking students. This system will exclude more students than it will create jobs for.
Aoife O’Connor
Dingle
Co Kerry
www.irishexaminer.com
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A bonus for mathematics students
August 21, 2012
Sir, –
Thelma Jones and Dr Orla Ní Bhroin (August 18th), both protest at the bonus for Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics. The former because she feels it “favours” those with an aptitude towards mathematics and the latter because she feels it punishes those whose strengths are in languages.
The bonus is designed to reverse a downward serious trend in applicants prepared to work on what was seen as a difficult subject. This trend was having a negative impact on skills that are essential for improving our country and our economy. In this regard the bonus appears to be working.
Perhaps your correspondents could comment on why there is still a bonus for taking the exams in Irish, a skill which is of little value to the country or the economy, other than the less than very small minority who speak it.
I suspect that most employers needing scientific or mathematic skills would find a candidate who knows the terms predominantly in Irish to be a hindrance rather than a benefit. Would it make it more difficult for for such a candidate to work abroad? Now what is the Gaeilge for calculus and trigonometry again?
– Yours, etc,
Andrew Doyle Clifden,
Lislevane, Bandon, Co Cork.
www.irishtimes.com
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