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Country ranked 3rd in global study
IRISH teens have been ranked third best in reading literacy in a major global study released yesterday.
Our students were also found to be “significantly above average” when it comes to science and maths.
The figures were contained in the OECD’S PISA 2015 report, which rates the performance of 15-year-olds from 72 countries around the world.
Irish teens received top marks when it comes to reading – coming second in the EU and third highest overall.
But in terms of science they slipped from ninth place in 2012 to be ranked 13th out of 35 OECD countries. They also came 13th when it came to maths.
ASTI boss Kieran Christie welcomed the report and said the positive results are a testament to all involved in education. He added: “It shows despite the harrowing cutbacks implemented during the recession the dedication and commitment of teachers, parents and school managers has ensured students have continued to receive a high quality education.
“However, while students performed above average in science, there has been a drop in our ranking compared with previous PISA studies.” Mr Christie blamed education cutbacks for the fall, which he said was particularly associated with students’ IT performance.
Ibec, which represents Irish business, stressed the country needs to place more importance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or it will suffer economically.
Head of education policy Tony Donohoe said “a major improvement” is needed in the subjects in our schools.