Maths Competency Tests

 

First Year Maths Competency Test 

 

The First Year Maths Competency Tests are based on the 6th class Mathematics curriculum. We currently have two samples for schools to choose from. There is an accompanying spreadsheet with each test to help with the analysis of students' performance on the areas examined.. The two tests provided do not map onto each other. The exams are not standardised exams.  It is envisaged that the exam will be administered early in first year. The test may be used for collecting data regarding possible ACTIONS that may be taken in your school. The rationale here is that the exam can be used for formative assessment. The advantage of this approach is that:
  • individual and collective weaknesses will be identified early on in the year and appropriate planning, interventions and measures can be taken at an early stage to address the problems or strengths identified 
  • the Common Introductory Course can be sequenced appropriately as a result of the test
  • areas of weakness give a rationale for implementing a whole-school common approach.

​As it is not standardised the test should be tailored to suit the needs of individual schools. The recommended time given for the test is between 40-45 minutes. 

 

First Year Maths Competency Test (Sample A) (PDF Version)

 

First Year Maths Competency Test  (Sample A) (Word Version)

 

First Year Maths Competency Test (Sample B) (PDF Version)

 

First Year Maths Competency Test (Sample B) (Word Version)

 

In addition to the first year competency tests above, please find below questions which may be useful to teachers when they are creating their own maths competency tests. Equally too, teachers will find some of the questions provided useful for the teaching and learning of some topics on the Common Introductory Course in first year.

 

Sample Data Handling Questions 

 

Sample Area, Shape & Space Questions

 

Sample Number Questions

 

Problem Solving Questions

 

First Year Maths Competency Test Analysis Tool

 

The analysis tool is a spreadsheet that may be used when correcting the exam. You can apply your own marking scheme to the spreadsheet. The advantage of the spreadsheet is  that a cohort's areas of strenght and/or weakness can easily be ascertained graphically. See the graph below as an example.

 

 Analysis tool for the First Year Maths Competency Test (Sample A)

 

Analysis tool for the First Year Maths Competency Test (Sample B)

 

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Senior Cycle Maths CompetencyTest 

 

The Senior Cycle Maths Competency Test is built on the same principle as the First Year Maths Competency Test. However, there is a separate exam for both Ordinary Level and Higher Level and the content of the exam is based on the Junior Certificate syllabus. Best practice will be to administer the exam early on in either Transition Year or fifth year. Again planning, initiatives and interventions can be put in place to address students' strengths and weaknesses. 

 

Senior Cycle Higher Level Maths Competency Test (PDF Version)

 

Senior Cycle Higher Level Maths Competency Test (Word Version)

 

Senior Cycle Ordinary Level Maths Competency Test (PDF Version)

 

Senior Cycle Ordinary Level Maths Competency Test (Word Version)

 

 

Senior Cycle Maths CompetencyTest Analysis Tool

 

The analysis tool is a spreadsheet that may be used when correcting the exam. You can apply your own marking scheme to the spreadsheet. The advantage of the spreadsheet is  that a cohort's areas of strength and/or weakness can easily be ascertained graphically. See the graph below as an example.

 

Higher Level Senior Cycle Maths Competency Test Analysis Tool 

 

Ordinary Level Senior Cycle Maths Competency Test Analysis Tool