Introduction
Maths education is vital for every young person to go about their everyday lives. It allows us to carry out everyday tasks and solve everyday problems. Maths helps us understand the world and provides an effective way of building mental discipline.
Math encourages logical reasoning, critical thinking, creative thinking, abstract or spatial thinking, problem-solving ability, and even effective communication skills.
Math encourages logical reasoning, critical thinking, creative thinking, abstract or spatial thinking, problem-solving ability, and even effective communication skills.
Junior Cycle
Junior Cycle Maths is broken into five strands: Number , Geometry & Trigonometry, Algebra & Functions and Statistics & Probability. These are all liked together by a Unifying strand. The poster below details each of these strands
Examination
Junior Cycle Maths is assessed through a two-hour exam at the end of Third Year. There will be the option of sitting the Higher or Ordinary level version of this exam. This decision is usually made with consultation with a student’s teacher throughout the Junior Cycle course.
Junior Cycle Maths is assessed through a two-hour exam at the end of Third Year. There will be the option of sitting the Higher or Ordinary level version of this exam. This decision is usually made with consultation with a student’s teacher throughout the Junior Cycle course.
Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)
Two CBAs are conducted in Junior Cycle maths. The teacher assesses the quality of work completed by the student and assigns a descriptor – Exceptional, Above Expectations, In Line with Expectations or Yet to Meet Expectations.
Two CBAs are conducted in Junior Cycle maths. The teacher assesses the quality of work completed by the student and assigns a descriptor – Exceptional, Above Expectations, In Line with Expectations or Yet to Meet Expectations.
- CBA1 (Mathematical Investigation) takes place in Second Year over the course of three weeks, during which students must identify a real world problem in their lives and use their mathematical knowledge to solve this.
- CBA2 (Statistical Investigation) takes place in Third Year over the course of three weeks, during which students must conduct a statistical investigation and report on some topic which is of interest to them.
Transition Year
During Transition Year in St Mary’s, all students have 2 maths classes a week in either higher or ordinary level maths. Topics throughout this year include: an active approach to geometry, the history of maths and a research project on a career maths can lead to. Assessment usually takes the form of a presentation or project to be completed by the students. There is also 2 one hour exam assessments throughout the year
Leaving Certificate
For the Leaving Certificate, St Mary’s offers maths in three levels; Higher, Ordinary & Foundation Level. Similar to Junior Cycle, Leaving Cert maths is divided into 5 strands:
Strand 1: Statistics & Probability
Strand 2:Geometry & Trigonometry
Strand 3: Number
Strand 4: Algebra
Strand 5: Functions
Strand 1: Statistics & Probability
Strand 2:Geometry & Trigonometry
Strand 3: Number
Strand 4: Algebra
Strand 5: Functions
Assessment
At Ordinary level and Higher level there are two assessment components
At Ordinary level and Higher level there are two assessment components
- Mathematics Paper 1
- Mathematics Paper 2
- Section A will address core mathematics topics, with a focus on concepts and skills.
- Section B will include questions that are context based applications of mathematics.
Careers
Maths is very useful for career prospects as key skills that students develop in this subject can be applied to any job, such as critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills.
Many careers directly involve a knowledge of maths – for example Auditor, Software Developer, Statistician, Financial Analyst, Actuary, Economist, Accountant, Quantity Surveyor
Many careers directly involve a knowledge of maths – for example Auditor, Software Developer, Statistician, Financial Analyst, Actuary, Economist, Accountant, Quantity Surveyor
Events Held During the Year
The Maths week initiative occurs in the 3rd week of October annually. During this week, students are encouraged to engage with maths in a novel and active way. Through group activities, guest speakers and competition Maths is promoted as the active and essential subject that it is.
A few of our students have also taken part in the Junior Maths Enrichment programme run by UCD. This programme brings together Junior Cycle students who have a keen interest maths with 3rd level Maths students to solve problems and to engage with the subject in a more hands on way.
Links
Instagram @stmarysmathssci
JC Maths Specification
LC Maths Curriculum
Junior Maths Enrichment
Subject specific websites:
Mr. Barton Maths
IXL Maths
The Maths Tutor
JC Maths Specification
LC Maths Curriculum
Junior Maths Enrichment
Subject specific websites:
Mr. Barton Maths
IXL Maths
The Maths Tutor