A chara, – Seán Flynn writes, “The new bonus points system gives a significant advantage to students who sit the higher-level maths paper” (Front Page, June 5th). Mr Flynn also notes that career experts say bonus points for higher-level maths will push up CAO points for college courses.
This is yet another reminder of the highly unequal education system in Ireland. There are Deis secondary schools in Ireland where higher-level maths is not on offer, hence students attending such schools are disbarred from benefiting from the scheme. Without mentioning the “grinds” phenomenon, where those with the greatest financial resources at their disposal can enhance their grades, the adoption of bonus points has simply exacerbated the inequalities in the education system. Where I teach in the inner city, few students progress to third level. When one looks at policy decisions such as bonus points, is it any wonder? – Yours, etc,