Concern at basic skills at Leaving Cert higher level maths

Leaving Certificate students need to think carefully before sitting higher-level maths papers, after the chief examiner expressed concern that some students lacked the basic skills needed for the exam.

In a report published by the State Examinations Commission, the chief examiner for Leaving Certificate maths said a “significant minority” of students taking the higher-level exam are struggling to complete basic procedures.

“The overall performance of some higher-level candidates with respect to their ability to apply basic skills appropriately and accurately is a cause for concern.