Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has reiterated his department's focus on ensuring that standards of English and Maths among secondary school pupils are among the best in the world.

Last year, a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found there had been a dramatic decline in standards in these subjects since 2000, with the nation dropping from fifth to 17th in English and 16th to 25th in Maths, the Irish Times reports.

However, the exam board dismissed the suggestion that standards have fallen in Ireland, with the minister instead suggesting that the OECD report showed other nations have "dramatically improved".

He added he would be launching a national literacy campaign this month to try and restore Ireland's position among the world's best education systems.

"Part of declared policy in the programme for government is that we're going to get back into the top ten, not just for literacy, but for numeracy and scientific matters as well," Mr Quinn said.

Last week, it was reported by the Irish Independent that planned reforms to the Junior Certificate will see a greater emphasis on coursework-based assessment for many subjects, which will mean students sit fewer exams.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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