The head of NUI Maynooth says he’s confident that changes to the points system will encourage more students to take higher level papers.
From 2017 the number of grades awarded to students will be reduced from 14 to eight and instead of the current A1/No Grade marking scheme students going into 5th year will be graded from H1 to H8 for higher level or O1 to O8 in ordinary level exams.
The Minister for Education Jan O’Sullivan has launched the new scale today, and is hoping that the changes will encourage students to take more honours level subjects in their Leaving Cert.
It is the first overhaul for the system in more than 20 years.
The variation in points between grades will reduce the likelihood that students will achieve the same points score, meaning less chance of random selection into college.
The latest batch of 5th years will also be the first to get points for marks above 30% at higher level – soon to be a H7 grade. Bonus points will continued to be awarded for higher level maths.
Philip Nolan says that will take the risk out of sitting a higher level paper:
Minister O’Sullivan says the system has a number of goals:
Trinity Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, said "it is hoped that these recommendations will go some way to reduce pressure on school-leavers and increase equity in admissions to third-level by minimising random-selection. It is important that all stakeholders at second and third level continue to consider measures that will enhance the educational experience for students in Ireland”.
