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

I think the fact that you might not use algebra in every life for the rest of your life is not a good reason not to learn it. I went to school in Italy and in secondary school I have learned algebra and latin for example. Did I enjoyed them at the time? Not really…do I use them every day? Never. Yet, the process, the challenge, the education really, opened my mind, gave me tools and background that yes have been useful at university and in life! In understanding the world, challenging ideas, having a perspective on history and many other things.
I for one find that the new generations have very limited education and they are getting less and less used to have a well rounded knowledge and critical thought. Which is a shame really, because we are losing what made humanity great.

So you do not have a phone contract or any car credit owing? That is algebra!

A level Maths is for people who know that they want a career that will involve a significant amount of mathematical skill and understanding. For those who don’t necessarily want that, a decent GCSE grade is fine. You can be good at and enjoy Maths - and apply it in everyday life and in your job - without an A level, in the same way that you can be enthusiastic about a sport without competing at a high level.

Degree level

I think the Irish system is too full on aswell.

I remember even when I was at school saying to my teacher, "why do we have to study seven subjects, when English teenagers only have to study three subjects at this age"

I wish I only had to do three!

And specifically for quadratic equations. Basically maths is brilliant 😍
Engineers (mechanical, civil, aerospace, etc.)
Use quadratic equations to model forces, stress analysis, projectile motion, and load-bearing calculations — especially in structural design or motion physics.
Computer Graphics Designers / Game Developers
Use quadratics to simulate curves, motion, and physics in virtual environments — such as animating the path of a thrown object or designing parabolic shapes.
Data Scientists and Statisticians
Use quadratic models to fit data in cases of curved trends — such as predicting growth or decline that isn’t linear.
Architects
Apply quadratic equations when designing curved structures like arches, domes, or parabolic roofs — both for aesthetics and stability.
Physicists
Use quadratics to describe motion under constant acceleration — for example, when calculating how far an object falls or how fast it travels at a certain point.
Economists
Use quadratic functions to model cost, revenue, and profit — particularly in finding maximum profit or minimum cost through parabolic relationships.
Ballistics Experts and Military Technicians
Use quadratic equations to calculate trajectories of projectiles — including bullets, missiles, or other launched objects.
Agricultural Planners
Use quadratic equations to maximize area within a fixed perimeter (like fencing fields) or optimize planting layouts.
Robotics Engineers
Apply quadratics when programming movement paths or arm arcs — especially when dealing with lifting and throwing mechanisms.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/article/2024/aug/15/more-maths-more-regional-disparity-england-a-level-results-in-five-charts

Maths A-Level was the most popular choice in the last academic year.

An informed opinion is valid of course. A stamping my feet just cause I don’t like it isn’t.
you asked how it’s relevant in real
life and lots of people told you how it’s relevant but you just don’t like it

Nope but I use it daily as will you more than likely. 4 year olds get taught algebra. It is basic maths understanding of number and calculations.

Never been to a shop and looked at a deal saying 2 packets of biscuits for £1.50. You calculating that 1 packet is 75p is algebra!

2x = £1.50
X = 75p

OP, your posts would have more credibility were you to suggest options for learning, rather than accusing posters who are disagreeing with you of being rude and reiterating that maths is a waste of time and that most young people you know dislike school.

I think quite a few people would agree that some reform would be useful. Some practical applications of maths, like managing money, budgeting would certainly be so. But education is about more than learning different subjects. It’s about the development of independent and critical thinking, it’s about cooperation and listening to different points of view, it’s about relationships, friendships, courtesy, respect and a host of other things.

It would seem that you didn’t enjoy your school experience. Nevertheless, it gave you the opportunity to benefit from higher education.

I haven’t read the full thread so sorry if it’s been said already. In Scotland the National 4/5 level (GCSE equivalent) offers the choice of studying maths or financial services depending which is better for the pupil. There’s also DEC (design, engineer, construct) which allows the pupils to access real world examples of maths being used in the working world. I wish we’d had these options when I was doing my GCSE’s, so much more choice and allows for different learning styles. Fantastic.

No I never once said it's not relevant AT ALL.

I said it's not relevant in many careers.

If people want to go into a maths related career, they should have the option to study maths.

If they don't want to go into a maths related career, they should have the option to not study it.

However maths is mandatory for everyone in republic of Ireland.

But all those professions need further study after A levels. So the courses should have maths modules to teach them what they need to an architect, engineer etc.

There is no need for someone studying history at university to do a maths A level unless they want to. Should someone who fails maths A level not be able to study history at uni?

Transition Year in Ireland enables teenagers to examine a lot of social issues, and concentrate on non academic fields.
I have 3 adult kids with partners...one in finance, one a secondary science teacher, one a hcp, one an engineer, one an architect and one an accountant. So all use maths daily . I work in retail, with a budget to manage. My husband is in education management, with a budget, and exam marking. We all use maths.

Electricians use algebra

I hated maths at school and thought exactly this. I now code complex calculations and I can assure you that algebra is definitely relevant.

Never thought I'd need it til I did!

But that is O level not A level.

What subject did you study to degree level @Suflan , and what do you do now?

But maths in particular. The curriculum looks like it was desigbed 100 years ago.

Algebra is so completely irrelevant in this day and age.

It's got nothing to do with 'this day and age'. What proportion of people do you think went on to use algebra in their jobs 50 or 100 years ago? Or chemistry? Or Shakespeare? Or French? The point is to teach them how to learn and teach them a broad curriculum so that they are rounded human beings. And also so that the ones who want to go on and become scientists, doctors, teachers, lawyers etc actually have a grounding in the subjects they need.

Yes of course there are discussions to be had about what should stay in the curriculum. But if you tried teaching all the things MNers believe should be added to the curriculum (most of which shpuld be taughtby parents or can be leaened from You Tube, frankly), we'd have to get rid of all academic subjects!

So what should be!
genuine question. What would you have people
study

I don't use algebra at all, and I speak as someone who found maths challenging at best and fairly dull but I think the premise of your post is completely wrong.

You're approaching this from the standpoint that the only value of education is in preparing kids for work or everyday life: you're missing the wider value of a good education.

• To develop critical thinking skills (which applies across any academic discipline)
• To encourage intellectual curiosity for its own sake (ie not simply limited to its vocational or practical use)
• To learn study skills
• To learn to understand a different perspective from your own
• To apply logic
• To learn to interpret sources of information
• To develop rhetorical skill and the capacity for argument
• To learn what are and aren't interested in

I have a completely arts/humanities based education and leaned heavily towards arts from A level onwards. I don't use science vocationally at all, never have. But my life is massively enriched by the fact that I find chemistry fascinating and have learned enough basic biology and physics to want to learn more.

Boiling it down to "I don't use this in my day to day life so it has no value" is so reductive and limiting.

Maths, English and Irish are mandatory, a lot of third level courses require a modern foreign language.

That is 11 year old maths!

But that is below O level. Not A level

No-one is saying that you shouldn't learn maths up to O level/GCSE

This! Maths is not about getting an answer it is about learning to think!