Madam, – Students taking higher level mathematics in the Leaving Certificate should be awarded bonus points for their efforts simply because mathematics is the most important subject in terms of accuracy. Maths is essential in teaching students how to work down through a process without making a single mistake.
Imagine a brain surgeon making a number of mistakes during open surgery or a car manufacturer leaving a potentially fatal fault in the engine. Meticulous care and attention to detail is vital for all students to master. If bonus points have to be the motivation for students to take Honours Maths it would be well worth it because at the end of the day it could be human lives we are saving. – Yours, etc,