In the third part of our Level Up series on education, we looked at the teaching of science and maths subjects in our schools. Are they being taught properly, and what can be done to encourage more girls to pursue these subjects?
Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain, Assistant Professor in Maths Education at UCD, explained how the new Leaving Cert points system has been designed to be "more equitable."
"People need to realise that we're trying to assess their learning, and at the same time their ability to get into university. With this new system, we're encouraging students to attempt the Higher Level subject."
Betty McLaughlin, chairwoman of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, said that questions are raised about the teaching of STEM subjects when students hit the 40% pass mark: "There's now an increase in the number of students taking Higher Level. But any time you get 40% you do think there must be a better way of teaching the subject."
Damien Owens of Engineers Ireland explained how the system prepares students for future engineering careers.
"There's been some very fundamental changes in engineering teaching. We used to have kids coming out of the Leaving Cert and learning more maths, physics and chemistry. It's a totally different environment now - it's absolutely not the learning by rote system. Engineering graduates have much more transferable skills coming out."
Todd Manning, General Manager of AbbVie, compared the system to that of his own country, the United States: "The curriculum is very good at preparing students for university, but it's also very narrow. It doesn't give Irish students the same level of opportunity that American children get to explore their interests."
"We want to make sure the talent is there and that people understand the opportunities that are there for them."
