Girls continue to outperform boys in the Leaving Certificate but the gender pay gap is alive and well.
According to data released by the State Examinations Commission, girls continue to outperform boys in the Leaving Certificate examinations. A gender breakdown of the 2009 results shows that in almost all subjects examined girls performed better than boys. The analysis reveals a gap between boys and girls in the core subjects at both higher and ordinary level. Girls also do better at most non-core subjects.
Not only do they get more honours, the girls are also less likely to fail.
A lot of this is down to the fact that at 17 years of age, girls are a bit more mature. However according to President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors Eilis Coakley, international evidence shows that that girls perform better in intensive exams. Boys do better in subjects where there is a practical assessment, project work and a written exam.
Maybe it begs the question we need to examine how exams are scheduled and as well how students are assessed.
The education gap between boys and girls is cause for concern because how students perform in their Leaving Certificate often affects college and career choices,
So males could be having those options narrowed at a very young age.
When it comes to earnings, this education gap does not seem to have an effect. Chief Executive of the National Women's Council of Ireland Susan McKay points out that within three years of graduation, young men are earning 11% more than young women,
So, the gender gap emerges very, very quickly.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 August 2009. The reporter is Emma O'Kelly.
