Minister congratulates students on junior cert results

Damien English TD, Minister for Research, Innovation and Skills, has congratulated the 2,390 students from Co Meath who received their Junior Certificate results today.

Out of a national total of 60,327, 1,166 female and 1,224 male students in Co Meath sat the exam in June.

Overall, the Junior Certificate results show an increased uptake at higher level maths with 54 per cent of students sitting higher level maths this year, up from 52 per cent in 2013.

Minister English described this as a very welcome development. 'A good base in mathematics is essential for successful engagement with the sciences and with life,' he said. 'It is heartening that well over half of the Junior Certificate cohort are now sitting the higher level mathematics examination.'

Minister English also pointed out that this year, students sat examinations largely based on the new Project Maths syllabus.

'Increasing the uptake of higher level maths is one of the explicit aims of Project Maths and this greater uptake is to be welcomed at Junior Cycle.'

Minister English also welcomed the fact that science is now taken by 90.7 per cent of the Junior Cycle cohort, adding that scientific skills for students are vital to the sustainability of Ireland's knowledge society and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.