UCC and NUIG reject bonus points maths plan

19 Aug 2010

Education Minister Mary Coughlan’s plan to introduce bonus points for higher level maths in 2012 were rejected by two major universities.

University College Cork (UCC) and National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) went against the scheme as the majority of their academics felt that awarding bonus points for higher level maths would not improve the take-up or performance of students within that subject.

The two universities felt that other options, such as investing in Project Maths and upskilling teachers, should be focused on before adding extra points to the subject.

UCC and NUIG have agreed, however, that if all other colleges went with this scheme, that they too would comply under certain conditions.

The plan has the backing of many Irish and multinational employers. DCU and Trinity College also approve of the scheme, however, they want consensus among all seven universities.

UCD and NUI Maynooth are currently undecided, while University of Limerick already offers bonus points for higher level maths.

According to Professor Paul Giller, UCC’s registrar, half of all second-level maths teachers did not have maths as a major subject in their degree.

Official reports have also stated that a number of schools did not even offer maths as a higher level subject.

The plan for adding extra points for higher level maths comes after the release of the Leaving Cert results on Wednesday. This year saw a failure rate of 10pc in ordinary level.

Loading now, one moment please! Loading