§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, according to the last published Report of the Intermediate Board, the totals of all candidates passing in English, French, German, Irish, algebra, and geometry give, respectively, the following percentages: 83, 79, 84, 85, 85, 79; can he state how the proportion of 70 per cent. was furnished by the Intermediate Board as being a reasonable proportion of the pupils to get proficiency certificates in the subjects in which the test of any individual examination was applied; and whether he is aware that instruction in science is carried on under most stringent regulations?
§ Mr. DUKEThe percentage of 70, which is looked on as a reasonable proportion of the pupils to pass the examination in subjects in which there is a written examination, has reference to pass papers only. The percentages for pass candidates636W in the various subjects in 1914 and 1915-are as follows:—
BOYS (all grades). 1914. 1915. Greek 64.4 … … 67.7 Latin 71.7 … … 67.5 French 70.9 … … 71.3 German 71.8 … … 72.5 Irish 78.5 … … 73.3 Arithmetic with algebra 78.2 … … 74.6 Geometry 81.9 … … 88.9 English 82.3 … … 90.2 Commercial Course 60.0 … … 66.3 GIRLS (all grades). 1914. 1915. Greek 100* … … 100† Latin 66.7 … … 61.5 French 74.0 … … 74.7 German 83.0 … … 79.8 Irish 79.2 … … 80.0 Arithmetic with algebra 63.9 … … 62.7 Geometry 64.5 … … 75.2 English 82.8 … … 87.2 Commercial Course 52.9 … … 63.5 With regard to the high percentages in English and mathematical subjects it is to be observed that English is compulsory for all, and mathematical subjects for most candidates. * Two candidates. † One candidate.