Council to consider Project Maths syllabus concerns

The body which designed the Project Maths syllabus says it will take on board the concerns of teachers about its length and suitability.

In a report to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the Irish Maths Teachers Association (IMTA) raised difficulties with the course, particularly about the volume of topics, with claims that timetabled maths classes may not be enough to cover the course and allow for revision.

It was also claimed certain areas are not sufficiently covered in the Leaving Certificate syllabus for those hoping to study science or engineering.

Anne Looney, chief executive of the NCCA, said all feedback is welcome and she has already asked the IMTA for more details on the issues causing most concern.

“Along with other feedback from teacher groups, from researchers and school inspectors, it will be feeding into the ongoing development and support of Project Maths.

“Even in the development of the final syllabus going out to schools later this year, we have already been informed by feedback from teachers in the classroom,” she said.

The IMTA said the wordy nature of some questions has posed problems for students with literacy difficulties. Members also have concerns about how marking schemes are applied, and say students are not given enough information on the marks for each question part.