Another of the big ones dropped today, as students sat down to take on Maths Paper 1.
Here, Brian Scully and Jean Kelly, Mathematics teachers at The Institute of Education, give their reaction to the Higher and Ordinary Level exams. It's part of their Leaving Cert review series which they they have shared with us.
Download the exam papers here:
Brian did a video on the Higher Level Paper up top. He says: "Many students will have entered the exam hall anxious, a natural feeling only compounded by reactions to last year's paper. However, upon opening the paper everyone should have been reassured: the opening questions were clear and familiar."
Key takeaways
- A reassuring paper with a clear presentation of the questions and an emphasis on core skills.
- An interconnected approach to the curriculum rewarded students who were broad in their study, while still allowing students of all abilities to find opportunities for marks.
Study Hub 2024 contributor, Jean, says it was "an accessible paper that was rich in opportunities for marks." You can see her advice on Monday's Paper 2 here!
Key takeaways
- A paper rich in opportunities for students to earn marks that will have students feeling assured heading into Paper 2.
- Anxious students were given the chance to get their footing in the exam and fairly show the scope of their mathematical knowledge.
This paper will have pleased many students. The usual suspects appeared in the usual ways, so there were no big shocks in a subject that often makes students worried. The paper was heavy on algebra and arithmetic (ratios, percentages, cross method etc.) and very light on calculus: a combination that many will be very pleased with.
One of the best things about the paper was how the exam setter made it absolutely clear what the student was expected to do by offering useful clarifications or, in some cases, overt hints. This meant that nothing was hidden behind awkward phrasing, so students could just get stuck into the maths straight away. This was particularly good for students who know how to work through the problem but are anxious about where to start to get it rolling. This paper really helped those students find their footing and display their ability.
For the paper to be really fair, there needs to be some challenges in the mix. Q5 (C) asked about the "rate of change" on a graph, and while the task wasn't too tricky students did need to grasp the underlying concept. Additionally, the Trapezoidal Rule which is often thought of as Paper 2 material appeared in what might be a surprise to some. It did appear on last year’s Paper 1 and so this might be the first sign of a new pattern appearing. These tougher moments were the minority on the paper and only would impact on who get the very top marks.
Previous years’ papers often some trickier moments that would have caused students to get stuck and worry, sending them into Paper 2 desperate for every mark. This year, students of all abilities should go into the weekend relieved that their practice and study will have paid off.
Maths Paper 2 is coming up on Monday, but make sure to take some time to relax. You can see some great tips for sleeping, eating and de-stressing here!
And there's lot's more study tips on RTÉ Learn too. The Study Hub covers Maths Paper 2 Higher & Ordinary - plus much more.
