Although the maths syllabus has changed since I sat the Leaving Cert, the same principles apply when it comes to achieving your highest grade possible, whether that is an A1 in honours or a C3 in pass.

A detailed study plan of what areas you want to cover and when, ensures that all receive equal treatment and none are overlooked.

I found that making up words to represent methods of an equation was a clever memory aid for recalling them on the day.

If you do not understand a certain area when it’s being covered, make sure you ask for help immediately, otherwise it will become a bigger problem and will lead to more confusion and difficulty down the line.

Grinds are only useful to help with areas of uncertainty, not a solution if you are completely confused with the material.

I also managed to get an A1 in design and communication graphics (DCG). I found that maths and DCG tied in well together as DCG is a very maths-based subject.

DCG consists of a combination of the old tech-graphics course that consisted of all drawing, and a new element involving the completion of a model using solid works.

Constant practise is the key to succeeding in DCG. It’s important not to neglect the practical side of the subject as a lot of marks can be attained with careful and repeated practising of the various methods and procedures.

Our teacher paired each of us with another student in the class. If we had any problems, we first had to approach our partner. If they didn’t know the answer, we then had to ask our teacher. I found that it allowed each member of the group to learn from the other. CL