Minister considering overhaul of Leaving Cert points system
Education Minister Ruairí Quinn is considering introducing bonus points for science subjects in the Leaving Cert.
Speaking at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties last night, Minister Quinn said he would assess whether bonus points for honours maths increases the uptake before looking at a similar system for science subjects.
The move is in response to calls from industry chiefs who say Irish students are not taking enough maths and science courses to prepare for the jobs in those areas in the future.
"We're going to see if that increases the uptake," he said.
"But the points system is not the answer, that's a short-term response.
"We've got to get more people actually studying mathematics and science subjects, and recognise that takes more time, its harder, and we have to reward that hard effort."
