Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of students' concerns about the content of the ordinary level leaving certificate mathematics paper 1. I have asked the State Examinations Commission to bring these concerns to the attention of the chief examiner for mathematics. Each year, commentary and correspondence on the examination from teachers, professional bodies and other interested parties are considered by the chief examiner in developing the draft marking scheme. The State Examinations Commission has assured me that, as is normal practice, prior to finalising the marking scheme, it will initially apply a draft marking scheme to a random sample of scripts so as to test the effectiveness of the examination paper and the scheme in setting and maintaining standards year on year. The outcomes of this exercise will be analysed before the marking scheme is finalised. This annual exercise ensures consistency in the marking of the examination and fairness to all candidates.

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