To think the school system is ridiculous

[Suflan]

This post is talking about the school system in the republic of Ireland, but I know that the school system in the UK has some similiatites, so this is also relevant to people in the UK.

I went to school in Ireland a long time ago, 20 years ago.

My younger cousins are just sitting their school leaving certificate (irish equivalent to a levels) this year and they and their friends have been posting about the exams, after it happened, on social media.

I was just thinking what they learn and do exams on is such a load of shite. Like how is it relevant or necessary in todays world at all.

They posted about their maths paper, all the quadratic equations, prove that point 5,1 is on the line etc etc, extremely complicated equations, and algebra.

Like what do you need that for in life? Its so totally pointless. And maths is mandatory to do, so they need points from maths to get into University.

Like what is the point of learning these things. Surely they should be learning something useful. My cousins have said to me that they think that a lot of what they learn is totally pointless too

You’re using some sort of device connected to the Internet to post on Mumsnet. Guess what the tech industry uses to make these things work?

Guess what just about every manufacturing process uses, every method of tracking (for example) the progress of a disease through the population uses, what methods of modelling to plan infrastructure and resources use…

You may have correctly guessed, Maths. And because we cannot tell what very young people might want to do with their lives, we teach it to everyone.

You're really showing your ignorance. Many careers will use algebra, maybe not every day but the ability to use it when required is essential in many careers.

What I would say is the education system needs to sort out those better suited to a trade sooner and set them up appropriately instead of wasting their time.

Well even though people have pointed out that more careers use maths than you seem to think, young people don’t know what career they are going to end up doing so we teach a broad curriculum in school. I think if we asked all children to choose at 11 what subjects they’d like to study, for the career they’d like to do, it might not work out so well. When my son left primary school they all wrote down what they wanted to do when they grew up. Over half wanted to be footballers 🙄

A question to the posters on here who are so enthusiastic about maths.

Did you all choose to study maths to A- Level then?

Competence in algebra is evidence of a certain ability to think.

Algebra is something you use weekly if not daily.

This has got to be a wind up

But there is the option of LCA (practical maths)and LCVP (no maths).

All you need in life is agriculture and medicine actually. No point in anything else if you use reductionism

OP I presume you're a groundskeeper given your love of moving the goalposts. You said 'algebra is so completely irrelevant in this day and age', that has been shown to be the utterly ludicrous statement it is, so now you're on to 'Yeah but not all kids like it and so they shouldn't have to learn it if they don't want to'. Dare I say it, but you are displaying a lack of critical thinking and logical rigour that a bit more mathematical study might have helped with. Yeah don't tell me, I'm being so rude, I know.

Again I'll ask the question.

The posters who are saying that algebra is so important and very much needed in life, did you choose to do maths to A Level?

Yes. And did a PhD in epidemiology in my 30s, which also used a lot of calculus (I’m a doctor)

Did you do maths to A level?

It's funny how no one is answering this key question....

In England most of us get 3 (4 at a push) A-Level options so if I loved 8 subjects then 4/5 would have to go anyway. Those fortunate enough to have a career in mind will pick the qualifications most suited to that.

But that misses the point, something can be valuable and not necessarily need to be studied until we’re OAPs.

Also maths is pure deductive logic, it’s a way of thinking that is similar to philosophy. The fact not every job uses it doesn’t make it worthless.

Thinking logically is a skill in and of itself. A lot of the problems we have today with rampant populism / extremism would be much mitigated if more people were taught to think critically.

Even kids going into a trade need to know algebra, unless they want to lose money hand over fist in wasted materials.

Specifically for algebra
Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.)
Use algebra to design structures, systems, or machines — such as calculating forces, loads, voltage, or resistance.
Computer Programmers / Software Developers
Use algebraic logic to write algorithms and manage data — like building functions that include calculations, loops, and conditions.
Data Analysts and Statisticians
Use algebra to manipulate formulas and models for interpreting data — including regression analysis and predictive modeling.
Architects
Apply algebra to scale drawings and calculate materials or structural loads — ensuring designs are safe, functional, and cost-effective.
Economists and Financial Analysts
Use algebra to build models, project growth, and analyze risk — especially for interest calculations and investment projections.
Doctors and Pharmacists
Use algebra to calculate dosages based on weight, age, or condition — ensuring accurate and safe administration of medication.
Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers
Use algebra to calculate flight paths, speeds, fuel requirements, and arrival times — especially under varying weather conditions.
Scientists (Biologists, Chemists, Physicists)
Use algebra in experiments and lab work — for things like dilutions, concentrations, and balancing chemical equations.
Logisticians and Supply Chain Managers
Use algebra to optimize routes, calculate shipping costs, manage inventory, and streamline delivery schedules.

@Suflan , I studied Maths beyond the age of 16. Maths is everywhere in daily life.

I use algebra quite a lot - I'm a buyer. I also love maths, so much that I did a maths degree in my 30s. Maths is so useful, even just the problem solving and logic.

Well lucky you that you got to drop it.

I don't think that maths should be mandatory in Ireland until Leaving certificate level.

It’s not lucky though. As per a previous comment I made, I miss that knowledge at work every day and rely on colleagues to help me through.

My friend once said similar about algebra being pointless and how she’s never used it since school and I pointed out that she uses basic algebra most days calculating medication amounts in her job as a nurse.

I did maths to a level - not sure why that’s relevant though but since you’ve been asking

I’m an agricultural surveyor and use algebra regularly… I’d imagine almost all surveyors do and it’s a pretty common job.

Odd question, but yes.

I hated French, didn’t take it at A-level, but still think teaching modern languages is valuable.

I was drafting a sewing pattern for a cap yesterday and believe me if you didn't know how to use pi to calculate the circumference of a circle you wouldn't get very far with that.