12.8% score three A-grade A-levels [newsletter.co.uk]
- Published: 20 October 2011
Around one in eight teenagers scored at least three A* or A grades at A-level this summer, official figures show.
But the numbers achieving the equivalent of at least two passes fell to 92.7%, compared with 94.8% the year before, according to statistics published by the Department for Education (DfE).
In total, 12.8% of A-level candidates aged 16-18 were awarded three or more A* or A grades, the figures show.
Boys scored more top grades than girls for the second year running, the figures show. Some 13.1% of boys scored three or more A grades or above, compared to 12.5% of girls. One in five teenagers (20.4%) were awarded two A grades and a B.
The statistics show that three times as many private school pupils are achieving three or more top grades than those educated in the state sector. In total, 31.8% of private school pupils scored at least three A* or A grades, compared to 10.9% of those who went to state schools.
Full Story: www.newsletter.co.uk
Parents 'confused' over role of SNAs [IrishTimes]
- Published: 19 October 2011
MANY PARENTS are confused about the role of special needs assistants (SNAs) resulting in misguided fears over cuts to services, a leading civil servant in the Department of Education told the Oireachtas education committee yesterday.
Jim Mulkerrins, principal officer of the department’s special education unit, said while he recognised parents had real fears, he believed the role of SNAs “had drifted over the years” to a situation where they are too often seen as the solution to all problems.
“Surpluses in the scheme must be identified and removed – assistants retained too long can be counterproductive and the child can become dependant on the care,” he told the committee. “I can say, hand on heart, that children who require support are getting it.”
Earlier this year, Dublin witnessed two large protests against cuts to the number of SNAs and resource teachers’ hours.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Kids encouraged to embrace 'the joy of maths' [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 19 October 2011
Children in Ireland are being encouraged this week to become more involved with maths and see it as more than a collection of dull numbers.
As part of Maths Week, which is running until October 22nd, 'maths magician' Andrew Jeffrey stated there are many things that parents can do to make the subject more interesting, the Irish Independent reports.
"Help your children to see maths not just as a science, but also as an art and as a language," he said at an event in Dublin.
He explained maths is not so much about numbers, but the patterns and structures behind them, while kids should ensure they ask questions such as "why does this work?" in order to get the most out of the subject.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
Problems multiply as our students struggle with maths [Independent.ie]
- Published: 19 October 2011
Teachers have warned that pupils are struggling to get to grips with the new second-level maths syllabus.
Project Maths has been billed as a panacea for the subject.
The worthy aim of the new syllabus, which is currently being introduced on a phased basis, is to put more emphasis on problem solving and the practical application of Maths, rather than rote learning and abstract principles.
For example, a pupil studying probability might throw dice to see how often a double six comes up. Students may study statistics by carrying out actual surveys.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
British schools look to checklists to improve pupil behaviour [Independent.ie]
- Published: 19 October 2011
BRITISH Schools are being encouraged to introduce hospital-style "checklists" aimed at improving discipline in the classroom, it was announced today.
It could see teachers displaying school rules, as well as using rewards and punishments for good and bad behaviour in class, and telling parents if their child has been naughty.
The checklist has been drawn up by the Government's behaviour adviser, Charlie Taylor, who is also head of Willows Special School in Hillingdon, north-west London.
He said the idea for a checklist was based on a similar scheme introduced to hospitals by surgeon Atul Gawande.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
