Written answers

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Department of Education and Skills

State Examinations

4:00 pm

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to assist the small number of second level schools or colleges who are consistently receiving a high failure rate in maths at leaving certificate and junior certificate level; if he has identified these schools; the support or remedial help that will be made available to these schools; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many schools where there is a 100% pass and honours result in leaving and junior certificate maths. [25573/11]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I am aware that there are a range of issues in relation to Mathematics education generally. Project Maths, the new mathematics syllabus which is being introduced on a phased basis aims to address these difficulties. The syllabus is designed to transform teaching and learning of Mathematics, so that students will develop instrumental understanding (knowing how), relational understanding (knowing why), the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, and analytical and creative powers in mathematics. A key objective is to improve attainment levels in Maths and to encourage more students to take the subject at higher level.

Initial results from the Project Maths schools which are in the vanguard of implementation are encouraging. In 2011 at both Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate, the ABC rate in the Project Maths schools was higher at higher level than the national figures and there were improved EFNG rates at Ordinary level also. In the context of Project Maths, a national programme of professional development is under way for all Maths teachers and will continue to at least 2013. As part of this, intensive post graduate courses will be developed aimed at teachers who do not hold a major qualification in Maths.

I am aware that some schools do better than others. The SEC provides my Inspectorate with whole school result information to assist in the conduct of Whole School Evaluations through which school inspectors provide advice and guidance to schools. There is also a range of supports in place for schools through DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in our Schools). As the deputy will be aware, DEIS is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available.

Supports under DEIS at post-primary level include: access to Home School Community Liaison services access to the School Completion Programme enhanced guidance counselling provision access to planning supports provision for school library and librarian support in post primary schools with most disadvantage access to the Junior Certificate School Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied programme

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