About two-thirds of ordinary level maths students said they wouldn’t study higher level maths even if it offered bonus points, according to a new survey by Engineers Ireland.
The survey of maths students who sat this year’s Leaving Certificate also found that nearly 83% of ordinary level students made their decision by fifth year, and half opted out of the higher level syllabus during their Junior Cert year.
Among the survey’s other results:
- 41% of ordinary level students believe that higher level maths is too time-consuming
- 23% said they found the subject “scary”
- 21% said they wouldn’t need maths on leaving school
- The remaining 15% said maths was boring
Project Maths
The Project Maths website
Engineers Ireland’s Communications Director, Fionnuala Kilbane, says the survey shows that there is still a vital need to alter the perception of maths among many second-level students.
“Project Maths focuses on linking maths with everyday experiences and we are delighted that the Government is rolling out the curriculum in September to first and fifth-year students.
“Maths needs to be demystified and shown that it is integral to everything from mobile phone use to the effective functioning of Facebook.”
Learn more
Read the full press release by Engineers Ireland about the survey
Visit the Project Maths website
