Sir, – How much thought is given to the State Examinations Timetable?
Maths is a compulsory and difficult subject. We constantly hear reports in the media that it would be preferable if more students sat the higher level paper. Students at Leaving Cert level have been encouraged to do so by being awarded an additional 25 points for taking this challenge. During the regular school day maths is timetabled daily and where possible in the earlier part of the day when students are believed to be fresher.
So why is Maths Paper I timetabled for Friday afternoon, 2-4:30pm? Candidates are tired at the end of the first week of the biggest exams of their life. Surely if it must be that day could it at least be in the morning? If, in August when results are published everyone wonders why more students haven’t achieved higher maths grades, blame the timetable! – Yours, etc,
ANNE RUSSELL,
Enniskerry Demesne,
Enniskerry,
Co Wicklow.