Northern Ireland

A-level entries to fall slightly while maths remains top subject

Maths is again expected to be among the most popular A-level subjects
Maths is again expected to be among the most popular A-level subjects Maths is again expected to be among the most popular A-level subjects

TENS of thousands of pupils will receive A-level results today with performances broadly in line with previous years.

About 25,000 will find out their A-level and AS-level grades.

Maths has attracted the highest number of entries in recent years while other science subjects remain popular, with a growth in participation among girls.

Of the subjects in which pupils perform best, many are in `stem' areas.

Entries are expected to be slightly down again, largely in line with a decline in the school population.

The majority of young people take papers set by the north's Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), although several also sit those set by boards in Wales and England.

Some students who answered about half of their maths paper correctly this summer will score an A grade, according to leaked documents.

Grade boundaries for Edexcel's maths A-level show that 165 out of 300 marks were needed to achieve the top grade.

This summer, questions from one paper were leaked ahead of students sitting the exam, and 78 pupils have had their results withheld while malpractice procedures are carried out.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said he was "extremely disappointed".

"The problem is that anxious students will pore over this information trying to work out what this means for their results," he said.

"This is a pointless exercise because grade boundaries are set to allow for differences in the difficulty of papers so that students are not disadvantaged from one year to the next.

"We would urge students against losing sleep over grade boundaries and to wait for their results."

CCEA has set up a dedicated helpline, which will operate from 9am until 5pm until Friday August 30. Today, it will open from 7am.

Anyone with queries regarding CCEA's examination results can call 028 9026 1260, email helpline@ccea.org.uk, or visit www.ccea.org.uk.

Parentline NI is also offer parents a free and confidential listening ear service offering advice, support and guidance.

Nichola Greene from Parentline NI said for many young people, receiving exam results caused stress and anxiety.

"It is also a worrying time for parents who often have questions on what they can do to support their child on results day. Our parent support officers are here from 9am to 9pm on results day to support parents and you can call free on 0808 8020 400 or chat online at www.ci-ni.org.uk," she said.