Training needed to reverse maths decline

GREATER training for teachers and parents is needed to help reverse falling standards in maths that are affecting the country’s economic development, experts have recommended.

A report to Government on raising achievements in maths makes clear that the Project Maths initiative being piloted in second-level schools this year will not be enough to address employers' concerns. They have expressed concerns about the numbers with high levels of maths for science, engineering, technology and financial services sectors, but workers in retail and other low and medium-skilled jobs are also required to have certain maths proficiency.

The proportion of Leaving Certificate students taking higher level maths has remained below one-in-five in recent years, and around 4,400 people — or 12% of those who sat it — failed at ordinary level last summer.