Two-Year Trial Period at UCC for Higher Maths Bonus Points
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Two-Year Trial Period at UCC for Higher Maths Bonus Points
05.10.2010

UCC has a long established record of supporting the teaching of mathematics.

For the past two decades, the University has run a successful Saturday outreach programme, ‘Mathematics Enrichment Classes’, targeted at the best mathematics students in the Cork region. The programme includes a specially designed module for some 80 Cork secondary school pupils.

The University also runs courses in applied mathematics for schools in the region that are unable to provide for students interested in taking the subject at Leaving Certificate level, as well as an MA in Curriculum Studies Mathematics, aimed at upskilling secondary school teachers.

UCC academic staff  have a long history of involvement in the Irish Mathematics Teachers’ Association and have played a leading role in the establishment of the Applied Mathematics Teachers’ Association. Staff at the University have also been active in the development of the secondary school curriculum in mathematics as well as the implementation of the new Project Maths curriculum.

Earlier in the year, at the request of the Minister for Education, the UCC Academic Council considered the issue of bonus points for Higher Level Mathematics. The University took an evidence-based, principled decision, not to support the introduction of bonus points for the subject.  This decision was based on education grounds and on issues of likely discrimination against students in the many schools not offering honours maths teaching.

UCC’s reservations concerning this issue are well known and have been well aired. However, in order to avoid the widespread confusion among students that would arise from a diverse sectoral approach, UCC will work with the other universities to agree on a bonus points scheme for implementation in 2012/13, for a trial period of two years. During this period, the University will support an accompanying academic evaluation of the implications of its decision. Issues to be critically analysed will include gender-based discrimination and access to higher education for those from socially disadvantaged areas where the opportunity to study Higher Level Mathematics does not exist. The results from this study will inform a review of the bonus points process and future decision making.

It is imperative, UCC believes, that in the meantime, the necessary and well articulated measures to ensure an improvement in the standard of Higher Mathematics in the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations, are put in place by the Government. Together with many commentators on education, UCC takes the view that without such action on the part of Government, the desired enhancement of mathematical attainment will not be achieved. The University also believes that the negative cultural environment surrounding Science and Technology subjects at present, needs to be addressed on a national basis and in collaboration with other western countries.




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