Ireland’s brightest maths students are thriving. So why are experts worried about the Leaving Cert?

Mathematicians fear proposed cuts to rigorous topics could affect students far beyond those pursuing maths degrees, including STEM and business

Junior students concentrate on maths challenegs set at maths enrichment classes at UCC. Picture: Larry Cummins

Irish students more than hold their own on the international stage when it comes to maths, placing highly in some of the world’s most prestigious and gruelling competitions despite relatively low investment in supporting top-performing students.

The past two years has seen Team Ireland put in their best performances to date at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), the world championships in mathematics.