Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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795. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding any initiative ongoing within her Department that seeks to ensure that students studying higher level maths at Leaving Certificate levels have adequate preparedness for third level mathematics courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18883/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Mathematics at Senior Cycle builds on the learning at Junior Cycle and develops mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing education, life and work. Through their study of mathematics at Leaving Certificate level, students develop a flexible, disciplined way of thinking which enables them to solve problems in mathematical and real-world contexts.

As the Deputy will know, my Department and I are implementing an ambitious programme of work for a reimagined Senior Cycle of education, where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience.??As part of this programme for redevelopment, the curriculum and assessment arrangements for all Leaving Certificate subjects will be updated over the coming years, beginning with the first tranche of subjects in September of this year.

Under the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme, the redevelopment of the Leaving Certificate Mathematics specification is in Tranche 3, and is intended to be implemented in 2027.

The NCCA convened a development group for Leaving Certificate Mathematics?in September 2024. The group includes nominees of the education partners and agencies including members who are teaching mathematics in Higher Education Institutions. The Group is progressing?the development of a new specification guided by a brief and the findings of the consultation on a background paper. This brief and background paper sets out the mathematical landscape in post-primary schools and the challenges involved in adequately preparing students for life beyond school, which includes, but is not limited to, preparing students for 3rd?level. In addition, the paper sets out the complex interplay between aspirations re preparedness for third level, and the realities of second level.

The Background Paper and Brief for Leaving Certificate Mathematics was made available for consultation from January 6th?to February 28th 2025. The development group is currently considering the feedback from the consultation as they develop a draft curriculum specification which will be subsequently made available for public consultation before it is finalised.