The Minister for Education, Batt O’Keeffe, has called on students receiving their Leaving Certificate results today to consider courses in the fields of science, technology and engineering.
“Education is the engine of growth in the knowledge and green economies which are now the focus of Government policy as we tackle the recession and build a future for our children,” he says.
“I’d urge students who’ve 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.”
Points for a wide range of courses in science could increase significantly in coming weeks as students opt for areas with employment potential.
Science results
Today’s results show only 16% of students took honours maths. Just 10% took higher level chemistry, while just 8% took higher level physics. However, the number failing maths at all three exam levels fell to 8%.
Among other results:
- A1s in applied maths fell for a third year, from 18% to 13.4%, while top marks in physics were down from 12.9% to 10.6%
- Of 408 pupils who sat combined chemistry/physics, 7.8% obtained an A1 on the honours papers, compared with 16.7% last year
- The number of candidates securing an A1 in higher level maths, chemistry, and biology fell by about 1%
- The drop in the number of students securing the top grade in maths and science subjects has led employers’ body IBEC to call for funding for an overhaul of maths teaching.
