One-in-five Junior Cert students take grinds in exam year
24/10/2007 - 07:41:17One fifth of Junior Cert students are taking grinds in their exam year, according to new research published today by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.
The council says most of these pupils are seeking extra tuition in maths and the majority are "middle-ability" students from wealthy backgrounds.
It says the decision to take grinds appears to be influenced largely by peer pressure and a belief that it is a normal part of the education system.
Elsewhere, the study has also found that separating Junior Cert pupils based on their ability may not be having the desired effect.
It found that pupils in mixed-ability classes perform better than pupils in so-called "streamed" classes.
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