No need to panic about maths results, says Irish Computer Society


15 Aug 2008

Although thousands of students didn’t get the grades they wanted in maths in this year’s Leaving Certificate, this mustn’t be seen as an end to an ICT career for them, the Irish Computer Society (ICS) said today.

The fact is there is a wide variety of computing courses available in Ireland, most of which don’t require a higher-level maths result. A C3 in ordinary-level maths is enough to gain entry into many degree courses, with the appropriate points.

“EUCIP [European Certification for Informatics Professionals] is a foundation qualification for a range of computing jobs across all sectors,” said Jim Friars, CEO of the ICS.

“For individuals who may not have done so well in their Leaving Cert maths but would still like to break into the ICT industry, EUCIP opens the doors to a sustainable and rewarding career.”

EUCIP is a FETAC level 6 programme and a high level of achievement in it is accepted by Dublin City University for admission into its postgraduate diploma in IT.

“PLC [Post Leaving Certificate] colleges also offer many programmes which can put students on the right track to their chosen career,” Friars added.

In making these statements, the ICS doesn’t want to diminish the significance that falling interest and achievement in Higher Level maths has for the ICT profession and the technology industry.

“Our knowledge economy requires a wealth of different skills and some fields do require superior mathematical ability,” said Friars.

“We welcome the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment’s Project Maths initiative and applaud its target of increasing the take-up of Higher Level maths from today’s 17pc to 30pc.”

By Sorcha Corcoran