The average number of CAO points secured by Leaving Cert students has increased significantly in the past decade. But educationalists insist that the overall standard of the exam has not declined, writes Seán Flynn, Education Editor.
The average CAO points score in 2005 was 325 points, an estimated increase of about 25 points since 1995.
An analysis of CAO figures shows that the number of students who scored 300-349 points or more in the exam has increased from just 41 per cent 10 years ago to 54 per cent last year.
CAO points scores have increased as more students gain "honours" - grade C3 or higher on higher level papers.
There has been a 16 per cent increase in the honours rate in the past decade.
In an article in today's Irish Times, Asti general secretary John White says allegations of "dumbing down" are grossly unfair to hard-working students. Leaving Cert students, he says, are working "harder and smarter" than ever.
Brian Mooney of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors says better Leaving Cert performances can be explained by several factors including:
The availability in recent years of an exam marking scheme and sample papers, helping both students and teachers.
- The increased focus by students and teachers on past exam papers.
- The rise of the grind culture, about 70 per cent of Leaving Cert students take regular grinds.
- Revised and more "user-friendly" courses in English and other key subjects.
- The increased focus on the importance of study skills.
Better performance by students and the decline in the numbers taking the exam have led to a decline in CAO points for some courses. The points required for the most popular third level course in the State (Arts at UCD) for example, has declined from 385 in 1998 to 360 last year.
But the points needed for courses like medicine and law have actually increased. Medicine in TCD for example has increased from 560 to 590 points between 1996 and 2005, reflecting increased student demand.
With fewer students chasing more places, career experts say it has never been easier for most Leaving Cert students to secure their CAO choices for all but the most prestige courses like medicine, law, veterinary medicine etc.
The percentage of Leaving Cert students gaining 300-349 CAO points or more:
2005 - 54.3
2004 - 54.0
2003 - 53.8
2002 - 51.9
2001 - 51.8
2000 - 50.3
1995 - 41.3