David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to develop a policy to promote higher level mathematics to second level students and improve its uptake at leaving certificate level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Higher education institutions have collectively agreed to operate a bonus points scheme for Higher Level Mathematics for a four year trial period from 2012 to 2015 inclusive, with a review in 2014. A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or above in LC Higher Level mathematics. This pilot scheme has been specifically designed with the objective of maximizing the numbers of Leaving Certificate students who study for and sit the Higher Level maths examinations, and should compensate for the perceived additional workload associated with Higher Level Mathematics, and particularly incentivise the 20% of students who currently move to Ordinary Level having studied Higher Level for most of their senior cycle.

A major programme of reform in Mathematics, Project Maths, began in all second level schools at both junior and senior cycle in September last, building on the experience of 24 schools which began the programme in 2008. Project Maths is designed to encourage better understanding of mathematics, to reinforce its practical relevance to everyday life, and encourage more students to take the subject at higher level.

I also intend to publish a National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy shortly which will provide a continuum of measures designed to improve performance in these critical areas. The NCCA will shortly advise me on reforms in junior cycle which are designed to address curriculum overload and rote learning, and promote creativity and innovation. In addition, I have also asked higher education institutions to examine the scope for reform of the CAO points system to overcome some of its negative backwash effects on senior cycle students' learning.

Taken together, these initiatives are intended to improve attainment in Mathematics and increase the numbers of students taking Higher Level.