Mathematical Literacy

Mathematical Literacy is a subject that uses concrete mathematical concepts and applies them to everyday situations. It consists of five main sections – finance, data handling, mapwork, measurement and probability. It differs from Core Mathematics in that it uses a completely new and separate skill set.

The Department of Education curriculum statement defines the subject as follows:

Mathematical Literacy provides learners with an awareness and understanding of the role that mathematics plays in the modern world. Mathematical Literacy is a subject driven by life-related applications of mathematics. It enables learners to develop the ability and confidence to think numerically and spatially in order to interpret and critically analyse everyday situations and to solve problems.”

Mathematical Literacy is a highly useful and practical subject, as it provides students with the platform to become financially responsible and mathematically literate adults.