The extra points awarded to higher level maths students were the main talking point as over 1,400 students across Westmeath received their Leaving Cert results on Wednesday morning this week.
President of St Finian’s College, Mullingar, Fr Paul Connell, said he was very pleased with the “excellent results” achieved in this year’s exams. However, he was sympathetic to students who are now waiting to hear whether they have enough points for the course of their choice.
“All the students seemed very happy with the extra points for maths, although it will probably mean an increase in points for some courses. It’s a pity the CAO can’t get the levels of points needed out the same day as the results, as it is a long wait for students who don’t know if they’ve made the course they want.”
Meanwhile in Athlone, principal of St Joseph’s College, Summerhill, Liam Nally, said students had received “excellent results all around” and that both students and staff were very happy with the outcome.
Principal of Loreto College, Mullingar, Marese Bell, was delighted to be handing out her first set of Leaving Cert results as principal.
“We were delighted with Project Maths, and that higher level maths students were able to add the extra points, as there was a lot of extra work involved.
“I’m also delighted with science, business, and languages; a lot of our students want to go into science. All our students did very well according to their ability.”
Ms Bell is particularly proud of one Loreto student who achieved five A1s and one A2, earning a total of 615 points - the new possible total is 625.
“With all the building that’s been going on, it’s been a tough year for our Leaving Certs, and they never complained, they got on with their work and we are so proud of them.”
Meanwhile principal of Mullingar Community College, Christopher Rowley said students there had achieved excellent results.
“As a school we are very happy. Maths was in line with the national trend, and we had a 100 per cent pass rate in higher level maths. A number of students also received over 500 points, and our Leaving Cert Applied students did very well.”
