Project Maths sees increase in higher level exam uptake

MORE than half of the students who sat the new Project Maths syllabus at 24 schools for the first time chose the higher level exams.

The 52% uptake of the higher level exam in Project Maths — compared with 45% of those choosing higher level in the regular maths syllabus — in all schools is an encouraging start to the programme. The Project Maths syllabus, which was aimed at taking a more practical approach to the subject and improving student interest and performance was introduced three years ago on a pilot basis in 24 schools, where students took a different maths paper 2 to the rest of the country in June.

However, a similar upward trend in higher level uptake in the first year of examination at Leaving Certificate level in 2010 was reversed this year when results were issued to school- leavers last month, meaning that 16% of students nationally chose the higher level maths paper in Project Maths compared to a similar figure for the regular maths syllabus.