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Mathematics

Junior Cycle Mathematics focuses on improving students' mathematical experience in the classroom and on developing skills for life, work and further study through the five inter-connected strands: Statistics and probability, Geometry and trigonometry, Number, Algebra and Functions.

In line with the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015), new subject specifications for Junior Cycle Geography, History, Home Economics, Mathematics and Music were introduced in schools in September 2018 as part of Phase 4 of the introduction of new subject specifications. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) conducted an early insights review between November 2023 to February 2024 to gather feedback to evaluate and explore:

  • how well the specifications get to the heart of the learning aspired to within each subject and more broadly within the Framework for Junior Cycle
  • the assessment elements within each subject, as experienced by students and teachers
  • how teachers are exercising their professional judgement to mediate the new specification in their schools and classrooms.

 

The objective of Junior Cycle mathematics is that all students develop mathematical proficiency. Mathematical proficiency is more than just procedural fluency and is explicitly characterised in the syllabus as

  • conceptual understanding—comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations
  • procedural fluency—skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately
  • strategic competence—ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems in bothfamiliar and unfamiliar contexts
  • adaptive reasoning—capacity for logical thought, reflection, explanation, justification and communication
  • productive disposition—habitual inclination to see mathematics as sensible, useful, and worthwhile, coupled with a belief in diligence, perseverance and one’s own efficacy.

 

The consultation for the Early Enactment Review of junior cycle Mathematics is now open. The consultation consists of a number of components, including written submissions, a teacher survey and a school-based component. The purpose of the review is to gather feedback from school management, teacher/educators and interested parties in relation to the experience of these subjects and their associated assessment arrangements in schools.

You can participate in this consultation by completing the online questionnaire.

You can also participate in this consultation by sending a written submission using this template. Please send it to consultations@ncca.ie and use “JC Phase 4 Early Enactment Review (Subject Name) Written Submission” in the subject line.

All of the feedback will be analysed and an Early Enactment Report will be published.

This review process will close on Thursday 29 February at 5pm.

Review of Junior Cycle Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the subjects included in phase 4 of the schedule for implementation of junior cycle subjects. To inform this review, the NCCA commissioned the Educational Research Centre (ERC) to conduct an evaluation of the impact of Project Maths on the performance of students in junior cycle mathematics. The evaluation drew on existing sources, including data based on national examinations and international assessments of mathematics. It also included Focus Group interviews with teachers of junior cycle mathematics. The evaluation provided an evidence-based foundation for the development of the subject specification.

The Mathematics Development Group consists of the nominees from a range of education stakeholders including teacher and management bodies, Department of Education and Skills, and the State Examinations Commission.