Published: Wednesday, 19th August, 2009 12:00pm

Cavan VEC schools are scientific about exams

Cavan VEC schools have managed to overcome the national trend for poor results in maths and science and many of their students have gained good results at ordinary and honours levels.

Anne Connaughton, the principal of St. Mogue's College in Bawnboy said: "Students in St. Mogue's always buck the national trend when it comes to high grades in maths; they've always been excellent and this year's students have maintained that tradition."

Her counterpart at Virginia College Karen Fitzpatrick was happy to report that students at the school were generally delighted with their results. They did well in science, a subject area which has a low uptake nationally and lower than average results.

"The results were excellent overall with many students achieving A grades in higher level subjects across different subject areas.

"We're particularly delighted with the results in Engineering and Construction Studies, where many students achieved A grades at higher level. Results were also particularly good in the science subjects."

The poor uptake and generally lower results in maths and science subjects have prompted criticism from business and industries. Ian Talbot, chief executive of Chambers Ireland said: "As a knowledge-based economy we rely heavily on graduates with a deep knowledge of mathematical sciences."

Minister's view

Minister for Education, Batt O'Keeffe, called for students with good maths and science results to take courses in those areas. "I'd urge students who have 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."

Project Maths is an overhauled maths curriculum being piloted in 24 schools. The government hopes that this new teaching method will encourage more students to continue developing their mathematical ability.

The broader arguments about education policy and the future of Ireland's knowledge economy do not mean much to the individuals who received their results on Wednesday. These students worked hard in the subjects they choose and have to see what lies ahead for them.

Mary Sheridan, principal of St. Bricin's College, Belturbet was proud that the students did so well. A number gained more than 500 points, and she was delighted that their work and the benefits of the school's supervised study program paid off.

"The extremely impressive results were achieved through the students' hard work and commitment to study, which was supported by their teachers. The small rural school environment with typically smaller class sizes also lends itself to creating more individualised learning activities and this is evident in the results," she said.

Breifne College principal John Kearney had a similar tale of hard work and success: "The trend is upwards every year, we're particularly happy with the excellent results achieved in Business Studies, Engineering and Construction Studies. Some of our students scored in excess of 500 points."

Students not entirely happy with their results have options open to them, the schools are reminding them.

They should contact their schools for details, and those wishing to appeal a result should also contact their schools, as soon as possible, to complete application forms for return to the State Examinations Commission by 5pm on Wednesday, September 2.

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