On Friday May 16th 2025 a report entitled Bonus Territory: The Shifting Landscape of Higher Level Senior Cycle Mathematics (2010-2024) was launched in Mary Immaculate College, Thurles. The report, which was written by EPISTEM’s and School of Education’s Niamh O’Meara, along with Dr Páraic Treacy (MIC) and Dr Mark Prendergast (UCC), examines the bonus points initiative from the perspective of students and teachers and looks at the impact that it has had on the uptake of higher level mathematics and students’ mathematical ability.
While the last 14 years has seen a 129.7% increase in the proportion of students opting to complete Senior Cycle Mathematics at Higher Level, this marked surge since the Bonus Points Initiative (BPI) was introduced in 2012 has had some unintended consequences. The report outlined how the introduction of bonus points has led to a reduction in mathematical standards and a slowing of the pace of learning in classes, with many students who struggle with mathematics pursuing the higher level course, often to their own detriment and the detriment of other students. Furthermore, the report finds that standards linked to grades awarded upon completion of Senior Cycle Higher Level Mathematics appear to have declined in the past 15 years.
At the launch event, the authors, Dr Páraic Treacy, Dr Mark Prendergast and Dr Niamh O’Meara commented: “This report is the culmination of six years of research examining the impact of bonus points on Senior Cycle mathematics students and teachers, as well as the wider implications for the education system in Ireland. It is a complex issue which has led to some very interesting findings beyond the surface level effect bonus points has had on participation in Higher Level Senior Cycle mathematics. This report gives us a clearer picture of the totality of the impact of bonus points and outlines evidence-informed action which should be taken in light of these findings."
The report is available here
Media articles on the report launch can be found here: