I enjoyed GCSE and A-level Maths at St. Malachy’s. I found the topics interesting and sufficiently challenging. The Maths teachers always tried to explain new concepts in a straightforward and engaging way. As a student you were always encouraged to ask for help if you were stuck on a particular problem or question and the Maths teachers were always willing to provide help and further explanation when needed. Throughout GCSE and A-level Maths, we were given questions or problems to answer between almost every class. However, looking back, I am glad that we were given this homework so often because it made us practice the material that we were learning and encouraged everyone to keep up and not fall behind. The teachers were firm about everyone doing the assigned work as the GCSE Mathematics course, GCSE Further Mathematics course and especially the A-level Mathematics course demand hard work and dedication from every student. However, as I saw it, the teachers in the Mathematics department were never harsh with students and they did not give out punishments unduly. I think that the teachers worked hard to help every willing student to achieve a Maths GCSE, given that having a GCSE in Maths and English is so important when trying to get a job. We were also helped to study and revise when we had finished our course of learning and when exam times drew near. We were encouraged to do lots of practice questions and problems as the best way to study for our exams and I can say that doing these definitely helped me to achieve good results. Overall, I am very happy with how my time doing Maths at St. Malachy’s went. 

Daniel McCormack, Year 14

 I have taken on maths examinations since third year right through to upper sixth and although this has been quite challenging I find that this is one of the most rewarding subjects. Maths creates so many opportunities for young people as it is an attribute that is appreciated by employers all over the world. I decided to take on maths at both GCSE and A-Level because I found great comfort in knowing that there is a set way in doing things and everything has a clear answer. I also took on Further Maths as a change and found that it was extremely interesting as it thoroughly contributes to the world we live in, covering three major areas- Pure, Mechanics and Statistics. One main advantage that I found in the subject is the small class size as you receive more one to one tuition. I understand that many find the subject daunting but the Teachers are extremely hands on and this is an opportunity for students to open doors creating wider possibilities for their future.  

Ellie McKibbin, Year 14