Maths 'bogey' subject says Dublin principal

Maths has always been a “bogey” subject for students and sometimes robbed them of vital points for college courses, a school principal said today.

The general Leaving Cert maths curriculum and the way the subject is taught needs to be overhauled, according to Pat Reilly of Dublin’s Ardscoil Rís.

“I have often thought that maths has been a bogey subject for so long because of difficulties in teaching it and the curriculum as a whole. I think it definitely has to be looked at,” he added.

The Marino school on the capital’s northside boasted several pupils with multiple A1 grades and most students collected enough points to gain first or second choice third-level places.

“It is one of the happiest bunches of students I have ever seen,” said Mr Reilly, who has been principal since 1997.

“Most students chose to receive the results in person at the school rather than check them online or by telephone.

“Pupils were extraordinarily happy today. They came in and met with their classmates and teachers and just took in the whole experience. I sat down with each lad and we discussed their results and their future options.”

Ardscoil Rís, which has 535 pupils, was officially opened by former President Eamon de Valera in 1972. It has a successful track record at football as well academic achievement.

It has 34 full-time teachers and usually has a waiting list of over 100 pupils for enrolment each year.

Mr Reilly said that the lower grades and failure rates in maths and the sciences didn’t seem to be reflected in his school.