Understanding the Leaving Cert Marking Scheme for Maths
- leona809
- May 27
- 2 min read
If your teen is sitting the Leaving Cert Maths exam, understanding how the marking scheme works can be a game-changer. At Piece of Pi, we believe students should not only learn the maths content — they should learn how to maximise marks. Here's what every parent and student should know.
1. It’s About Method, Not Just the Answer
One of the biggest myths in maths? That it's all about getting the correct final answer. In reality, the Leaving Cert Maths marking scheme rewards students for their process.
✔️ Marks are awarded for correct steps, formulas, substitutions, and logical reasoning — even if the final answer is wrong.
❌ A correct answer with no working out often earns fewer marks than expected.
Tip: Always show your full working and reasoning!
2. Questions Get Easier to Harder Within the Paper
Each exam paper is designed to include a range of difficulty levels. Earlier parts of questions are typically easier and build into more challenging sections.
Students should always attempt the early parts — they are designed to be accessible and offer quick wins for marks.
3. Attempting Something is Better Than Leaving It Blank
Even if a student doesn’t know how to fully solve a question, writing down a relevant formula, diagram, or an attempt at substitution can earn valuable marks.
Encourage your teen to never leave a question blank. Every mark counts!
4. Paper 1 vs Paper 2
Paper 1 focuses on algebra, functions, calculus, and numbers.
Paper 2 includes geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and probability.
Understanding where their strengths lie helps students allocate time and effort wisely.
5. Practicing With the Marking Scheme is Key
At Piece of Pi, we constantly refer to real past papers and official marking schemes when teaching.
✅ This helps students understand what the examiner is looking for
✅ It trains them to write answers that earn every possible mark
You can find official marking schemes at examinations.ie — or better yet, let us walk them through it in our weekly grinds.
Final Thoughts
Knowing maths is one thing. Knowing how to get marks in the exam is another. By becoming familiar with how the exam is graded, students can boost confidence and performance.
Want your teen to learn smart exam strategies alongside the content? Our small group grinds, taught by SEC examiners are open now — with a FREE first class if you book by May 30th.
📍 Visit www.pieceofpi.ie to book today.
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