Sir, - Your editorial (August 16th) links the high failure rate at ordinary level history with the "deep perception that history is a difficult, time-consuming subject with little points potential". The quality performance of so many history students at higher level gives the lie to the latter sentiment.
History is an excellent subject that will benefit the student who wishes to maximise points, as this year's higher level figures show. Over 65 per cent of students received an honours grade. The level of A (10.6 per cent), B (25.1 per cent) and C (29.7 per cent) grades are all up on last year's figures. Not only that, but the failure rate in history fell over two percentage points to 9 per cent. History is a very rewarding subject taken from the very pragmatic "points" perspective. The quality and value of work done by students and their teachers is reflected in the level of this year's performance - credit where credit is due.
First strike comments on the results that focus only on failure, in isolation from the achievements, diminish the substantial performance by so many students. There is, and has been for a while, a need to examine the appropriateness of the ordinary level history course in its current form. But this is separate and distinct from the pattern at higher level.
The current history programme is in essence now 30 years old. The history syllabus at Leaving Certificate is under review. It is critical and crucial that the Minister for Education place the implementation of this new syllabus at the very top of his agenda. - Yours, etc.,
Pat Callan, PhD, Portmarnock, Co Dublin.