Progress of Bonus Points Initiative needs to be built upon quickly – McConalogue grants

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education and Skills Charlie McConalogue has called on the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn to monitor the effects of the new bonus points system for higher level maths at Leaving Certificate level.

Congratulating the class of 2012 as they receive their third level offers today, Deputy McConalogue said it is clear that the introduction of bonus points is having the desired effect at encouraging more students to sit higher level maths.

“This was the rationale behind introducing a bonus points system and I am delighted to see that it is working,” said Deputy McConalogue.

“However it is clear that we need to remain flexible in our approach and build quickly on the progress that has been achieved this year.  Now that we have seen the effects of the first year of these bonus points, the system must be carefully evaluated and adapted in order to maximise its potential.

“I am calling on Minister Ruairí Quinn to look at various options for tweaking the bonus points system, including increasing the grade at which bonus points become available. The Minister could also consider further rewarding students who go on to study maths, science and technology at third level.

“This year’s Leaving Cert results show that we are heading in the right direction and that the work of recent years in putting this system in place was worthwhile. But it is also clear that there is potential for altering this new system to further encourage a greater interest in maths, science and technology. These changes take extensive planning – for example, the bonus points initiative that we’re seeing today has been in preparation for the last number of years.  I would call on the Minister to open negotiations with third level representatives and his Department around further improving the initiative immediately.”