Maths is a wide-ranging subject with many aspects to it. Most people are familiar with the fact that mathematics is an intellectual discipline that deals with abstraction, logical argument, deduction and calculation. Mathematics is a key skill for life.

The aim of teaching and learning maths at Ashton is to develop mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding needed for continuing education, life and work. By teaching maths in context it allows learners to see connections within mathematics, between mathematics and other subjects and between mathematics and its applications to real life. It is envisaged that learners will develop a flexible disciplined way of thinking to search for creative solutions.

Objectives for teaching and learning mathematics in Ashton School are:

Seamless transition from primary school
Conceptual learning
Procedural fluency
Strategic competence
Adaptive reasoning
Production disposition

Maths is taught at ordinary level and higher at Junior Cycle.  Every student is given the opportunity to take maths at an appropriate level. The topics studied are Statistics, Probability, Geometry, Trigonometry, Numbers Systems, Algebra and Functions. Students are made aware of the learning intentions and outcomes. This aids them in measuring their own success in the subject using suitable criteria. Students are assessed on an ongoing basis. Classroom Based Assessments take place in the second and third year. These are reported on the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement.

Ashton students continue to outperform national averages in mathematics. It is something we are proud of and strive to maintain as a department and as a school. The majority of students in Ashton take Junior Certificate mathematics at higher level.