Project Maths
Changes in Assessment - Implications
Bill Lynch
MSSTL Annual Conference, Carlow, 24th May 2010
Phasing of developments

Phased syllabus changes at junior cycle and senior
cycle – 5 strands over 3 years
1. Statistics and probability
2. Geometry and trigonometry
3. Number
4. Algebra
5. Functions

Bridging framework to link primary and post-primary
mathematics

National roll-out after two years; also phased
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Schedule of introduction

24 initial schools
– Strands 1 and 2 in 2008
– Strands 3 and 4 in 2009
– Strand 5 in 2010

All other schools
– Strands 1 and 2 in 2010
– Strands 3 and 4 in 2011
– Strand 5 in 2012
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Areas of Support for Project Maths
 Project Maths Development Team
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Resources to support teachers
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Resources for student use and research
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Web-based materials (www.projectmaths.ie)
 Communication; public awareness; access to
information
 Collaboration with others
–
CSO, IIF, ERC
–
NCE-MSTL
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Emphasis on understanding
and skills
 Building on existing knowledge and skills
 Progression and continuity; from the concrete to
the abstract, from the informal to the formal
 Developing learner confidence and competence
 Focus on problem-solving skills and strategies
 Applying knowledge and skills to familiar and
unfamiliar contexts/problems
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Changes at Leaving Certificate
 Curriculum and assessment developments
– incremental revisions to syllabuses and assessment
– removal of choice on exam papers
– structure of the paper (focus on LC-OL)
– interim arrangement
 Three syllabus levels, FL, OL and HL
– uptake target: at least 30% of the cohort at HL
– changed emphasis; context, applications
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Strand 1 – Statistics and Probability
Statistics
Probability
 Statistical reasoning
 Counting
 Finding, collecting, and
organising data
 Concepts of
probability
 Representing data
graphically and
numerically
 Discrete probability
(as relative
frequency)
 Analysing, interpreting
and drawing inferences
from data
 Outcomes of random
processes
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Strand 2 – Geometry and Trigonometry
 Synthetic geometry
– terms and concepts
– constructions, axioms, theorems, corollaries
 Co-ordinate geometry
 Trigonometry
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Strand 3 – Number
 Topics
– Number systems; operations
– Indices
– Applied arithmetic
– Length, area and volume
– Sets
 Pre-algebra approach
– patterns and generalisations; problem-solving strategies
– modelling operations
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Strand 4 – Algebra
 Topics
– Arithmetic expressions; representations (tables, graphs)
– Finding ‘formulae’
– Examining change rates and relations
– Algebraic expressions; factors; graphs
– Equations and inequalities
 Functions-based approach
– Representational; transformational
– Generalising and justifying
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Responding to the feedback
 Syllabus adjustment
– Streamlining
– Deferral of learning outcomes
– Hypothesis testing
 Assessment arrangements
– Retention of topics on paper 2 (i.e. those not in S1 or S2)
– Interim Paper 2 choice (June 2010)
– Weighting between S1 and S2
– Additional draft questions + commentary
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First ‘new’ examination – June 2010
 SEC trial of Sample LC Maths Paper 2 (Oct. ‘09)
– adjusted Sample Paper; report on the trialling
 Additional questions for strands 1 and 2
 Pre-Leaving Certificate (‘mock’) Paper 2
– correction and return of scripts
– feedback to teachers
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First ‘new’ examination – June 2010
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LC-OL Paper 2 2010
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Question 6
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Question 7
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Q.7 (b) Comment on answering
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Question 8
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The square tile ABCD has side of length 1 metre. Two
such tiles are to be combined to form a single square.
Show how this can be done.
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Rearranging the pieces
to form another square.
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Project Maths aims to bring about
 Improved understanding of concepts
 Ability to apply mathematical knowledge and
skills to real-life contexts
 Better problem-solving skills
 Less reliance on practised routines and
predictable questions
 Appreciation of mathematics
 More discerning students and citizens
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Information on Project Maths
URL:
www.ncca.ie/projectmaths
URL: www.projectmaths.ie
URL: www.examinations.ie
Email: bill.lynch@ncca.ie
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