Maths in Irish secondary schools has changed a lot over the past two decades, and it’s easy for parents to feel a step behind. In this article, Eamonn Tolland of TheMathsTutor.ie walks you through what “Project Maths” actually is, how it links to the Junior Cycle reforms, and how best to support your teen through it.
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“Project Maths” and Junior Cycle Reform
What is “Project Maths”?
“Project Maths” is the name given to the maths syllabus used in secondary schools in Ireland. It was first introduced to some schools in 2008 and is now fully implemented for both Junior Cert and Leaving Cert. Since 2014, all secondary students have been examined on the full “Project Maths” course.
What is Junior Cycle reform?
Junior Cycle reform is a broader change to how all subjects — not just maths — are taught and assessed at junior cycle level in Ireland. For maths, students who started first year from 2018 onward sat their exams under the new Junior Cycle maths structure rather than the old Junior Cert. The mathematical content is broadly the same as before, but the approach to teaching, learning and assessment is different, with more emphasis on classroom-based work alongside the final written exam.
Here’s a bit more detail on both changes:
- “Project Maths” puts more emphasis on real-life scenarios and requires genuine understanding of maths rather than rote learning. There’s also intended to be less predictability in exam papers.
- Since the introduction of “Project Maths,” textbooks for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert have been fully revised to match the new syllabus. In Ireland, schoolbooks are now provided to students through the free schoolbooks scheme in state-funded schools, on a loan basis — books belong to the school and are returned at the end of the year. At post-primary level, schools may ask for a refundable deposit on core items, returned once everything is handed back in good condition, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how your teen looks after their books through the year.
- Older past exam papers and marking schemes contain a mixture of the new and old syllabus, while more recent years are fully based on “Project Maths.” This is worth bearing in mind when planning revision. You can find past papers and marking schemes, free, all in one place on TheMathsTutor.ie.
- The syllabus has had a mixed reception among teachers and students over the years. Some teachers feel the course runs too long in places while lacking depth in other key topics. Some students and parents find the wordier style of questions harder to relate to their idea of what maths “should” look like. That said, “Project Maths” follows on naturally from the primary school syllabus, and it has gained more acceptance as it has bedded in.
- “Project Maths” also has many supporters, who value the hands-on nature of the learning, the problem-solving skills it builds, and the way it connects maths to real life.
For students who started first year from 2018 onward, Junior Cert maths was replaced by the new Junior Cycle maths. This sits within the wider Junior Cycle reform that has already been rolled out across other subjects too. The mathematical content is broadly unchanged, but there’s a stronger focus on hands-on learning and ongoing assessment alongside the final exam.
New textbooks have been issued to match the Junior Cycle maths course. As part of their assessment, students complete Classroom-Based Assessments and an Assessment Task, in addition to a final written exam paper at the end of third year.
You might also enjoy reading A Parent’s Practical Guide to Surviving Leaving Cert
With all of this change, what should parents and teachers do?
It can be tempting to “give out” about Project Maths or the Junior Cycle changes — but that risks sending teens the message that it’s fine to opt out of even trying. It’s far more useful to accept that this style of maths is here to stay, focus on the positives, find practical ways to work around any frustrations, and help your teen build real confidence in the subject.
The most productive approach is helping students gain a genuine understanding of each topic, practise applying it, and get comfortable with exam technique so they know how to approach the newer style of paper. That combination brings real peace of mind for students and parents alike.
We’d encourage a positive attitude towards Project Maths and the Junior Cycle from everyone around a student, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have. Get in touch any time.
You might also like to download our key dates for Leaving Cert sheet
About TheMathsTutor.ie
TheMathsTutor.ie is an online support system for Junior Cert and Leaving Cert maths in Ireland. Since 2011, they’ve been helping students and parents build understanding of maths, improve grades, and work towards exam and career goals.
Maths can be genuinely challenging, and getting the grade needed for a preferred course matters. There’s real peace of mind that comes from a student understanding a topic properly and walking into maths class with confidence — and that same confidence carries into the exam hall once exam technique is added on top.
TheMathsTutor.ie provides pre-recorded video lessons on demand covering the full Junior Cert and Leaving Cert maths course, at ordinary and higher level, plus video model solutions for recent years of exam papers and online support seven days a week. Their exam technique booklet gives students a clear strategy and practical tips for maximising their maths grade.
They’ve had strong feedback from parents and students over the years — click here to see what people have said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Maths?
Project Maths is the maths syllabus taught in Irish secondary schools. It was introduced from 2008 and has been fully in place for both Junior Cert and Leaving Cert since 2014. It emphasises real-life problem solving and genuine understanding over rote learning.
How is Project Maths different from the old maths course?
Project Maths puts more weight on applying maths to real-world scenarios and reduces predictability in exam questions. It follows on from how maths is taught at primary level, with more focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising methods.
What is Junior Cycle maths, and how is it different from Junior Cert maths?
Junior Cycle maths replaced Junior Cert maths for students who started first year from 2018 onward. The maths content is broadly the same, but assessment now includes Classroom-Based Assessments and an Assessment Task alongside the final written exam, rather than relying on one exam alone.
Do I need to buy new textbooks for Project Maths?
In Ireland, textbooks for state-funded primary and post-primary schools are now provided through the free schoolbooks scheme on a loan basis, so buying new or second-hand Project Maths textbooks generally isn’t necessary. Check with your teen’s school for details of how the scheme works there, including any refundable deposit at post-primary level.
How can I help my teen cope with the new style of Project Maths questions?
Focus on building genuine understanding of each topic rather than just memorising steps, get plenty of practice applying that understanding to different question types, and spend time on exam technique so your teen feels comfortable with how questions are now phrased.
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