Project Maths 'still has way to go to achieve objectives'

The new Project Maths syllabus does not appear to be encouraging students to take Higher Level Leaving Cert Maths.

That is just one of the findings of one of three research reports out this morning on the new maths curriculum which was introduced in secondary schools in 2010.

There has been a large decline in the percentages of students studying maths at higher level between junior and senior cycle, from 49% in 3rd year to 32% in 5th year and just 20% in 6th year.

Research associate with the Educational Research Centre Jude Cosgrove said one of the main objectives of introducing Project Maths was to increase the number of students taking higher level maths.

"We can see a fall-off of about one third of students," she said. "It indicates that Project Maths has a way to go in achieving its objectives."