NEWS

Maths requirement in colleges may increase.

Concern over high drop-out levels means several third-level institutions are considering raising their entry requirements for maths-related courses. The Irish Times revealed this week that up to 80% of students in maths-related courses are failing to progress beyond their first year in college. A spokesman for an Irish institute of technology said disappointing pass rates in maths and engineering-based modules was very much impacted by low performance in Leaving Certificate maths.

A report due to be published by the Higher Education Authority shows that, between 2012 and 2014, one in six of all first years in higher education did not progress to second year. The report goes on to state that Ireland is facing a “severe skills shortage” in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and that it must be ensured that “the correct students are being selected for these courses with sufficient levels of academic preparedness, particularly in the area of higher-level maths ability”.

Senior academics, such as DCU president Prof Brian MacCraith, who is chair of a government education review group, have also expressed concern. Prof MacCraith has stated that students at third level are increasingly unable to cope with courses that require competence in maths and require extra support to pass their exams.

Here at The Dublin School of Grinds, our sole purpose is to maximise students’ exam results. Our maths teachers are regarded as Ireland’s leading Project Maths tutors, and have led discussions on the changes to the course. They are experienced exam-correctors, and have conducted seminars hosted by Trinity College, Dublin.

Weekly grinds can be booked through our website by clicking here or by contacting our office on 01-442 4442.