Formula to reverse decline of maths

IN his letter (October 7), Tony Proctor suggests religious influence in Irish schools may be the reason why there are problems with levels of mathematical attainment here.

I would suggest it is something more basic: when students fall behind, unless their parents can afford grinds, it can be difficult for them to catch up.

In Britain, prime minister Gordon Brown has announced that if children have fallen behind, they will receive one-to-one support.

They will also have specialist maths teachers in every primary school.

With a hierarchical subject like maths, where one needs a solid base to progress to more demanding areas, extra supports like these are necessary to ensure pupils reach their mathematical potential.

Tom Kindlon

12 Beechpark Lawn

Castleknock

Dublin 15