The Ordinary Level Maths exam consists of 2 papers, each worth 300 marks. Both papers are equally weighted and 2 and a half hours long.

• Paper 1 focuses on Algebra and Numbers. Key topics include Algebra, Arithmetic, Complex Numbers and Calculus.

• Paper 2 focuses on Geometry and Data. Key topics include Statistics, Probability, Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry of the Line and Circle.

An analysis of the last 12 exam papers, including the deferred sittings, identifies consistent patterns in topic distribution.

Complex Numbers is the single most predictable topic on Paper 1.

• The Trend: In 5 out of the last 6 years (2025, 2024, 2023, 2021), Complex Numbers have appeared specifically in Question 2. Even in the outlier years (2022, 2020), it appeared in Q1 or Q3.

• Strategic Implication: This is a "Banker Question." Students should be drilled to expect this immediately after the opening question. It is rarely combined with other topics, making it a standalone module that can be perfected early in the revision cycle.

There is a massive surge in Financial Maths weighting in the last two years compared to 2020-2022.

• The Trend:

  • 2020-2022: Financial Maths was sparse, appearing mostly as small parts of Arithmetic questions.

  • 2024-2025: It has exploded across the paper. In 2025 alone, it appears in Q6, Q7, Q9, and Q10. In 2024, it was in Q1, Q9, and Q10.

• Strategic Implication: The exam is moving toward "Applied Arithmetic." We can no longer treat Financial Maths as a sub-topic of Arithmetic; it is now a dominant theme in the "Context and Applications" section (Long Questions). Content strategy should prioritize multi-part financial word problems (tax, savings, loans) as they are now carrying significant marks in the final 3-4 questions.

Unlike Paper 1, the first four questions of Paper 2 have become highly volatile regarding topic placement.

• The Trend:

  • 2020-2021: Q1 was consistently Probability.

    2022-2023: Q1 shifted to Coordinate Geometry.

    2024-2025: Q1 shifted again to Statistics/Arithmetic.

• Strategic Implication: Students often panic if the first question isn't what they predict. The strategy here should be "Recognise what the question asks". We cannot predict that "Q1 will be Probability." We must teach students that Probability, Coordinate Geometry, and Statistics are interchangeable in the Short Questions section (Q1-Q5). They must be ready for any of these to appear as the "opener."

Use this table to identify which topics appeared in specific questions across recent years. This includes data from standard and deferred sittings.

You have 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) to get your marks. The Ordinary Level marking scheme is very generous with "Attempt Marks," so your main goal is to never leave a blank space.

The Golden Rule: Divide the Marks by 2 To manage your time, spend 1 minute for every 2 marks.

• Goal: Spend roughly 15 minutes per question.

  Tip: If you are stuck, write down the formula you think you need, substitute in any number you have, and move on. You will likely get "Low Partial Credit" just for that.

• Goal: Spend 20–25 minutes per question.

  Tip: These questions tell a story. If you can't do Part (a), don't worry—you can usually still do Part (b) or (c) because they often give you a new number to work with.

In Ordinary Level, a blank answer gets 0 marks. A wrong answer with a correct formula written down can get 2, 3, or even 5 marks. Always write the formula.

Download official SEC exam papers and our annotated solutions. We have included Deferred Papers from 2022, 2023, and 2024. These are official papers that provide excellent, unseen practice material.

2025

• [Download 2025 Paper 1]

• [Download 2025 Paper 2]
  

2024

• [Download 2024 Paper 1] | [Download DAE Solutions P1]

• [Download 2024 Deferred Paper 1]

• [Download 2024 Paper 2] | [Download DAE Solutions P2]

• [Download 2024 Deferred Paper 2]
  

2023

• [Download 2023 Paper 1] | [Download DAE Solutions P1]

• [Download 2023 Deferred Paper 1]

• [Download 2023 Paper 2] | [Download DAE Solutions P2]

• [Download 2023 Deferred Paper 2]

2022

• [Download 2022 Paper 1] | [Download DAE Solutions P1]

• [Download 2022 Paper 2] | [Download DAE Solutions P2]

Follow this structured approach to cover the syllabus efficiently.

Phase 1 (Sept - Dec) Focus on core tools: Algebra and Arithmetic. These are prerequisites for the rest of the course.

Phase 2 (Jan - Mar) Focus on high-weighting topics: Statistics, Trigonometry, Calculus.

Phase 3 (Apr - June) Focus on exam technique. Switch from textbook learning to completing full past papers under timed conditions.

These are frequent errors identified by our teachers that result in lost marks.

1. The "Squaring Brackets" Mistake

• The Error: Writing (x + 3)^2 = x^2 + 9. This is the most common Algebra fail.

• The Fix: Always write the bracket out twice: (x + 3)(x + 3). Then use your "First by First, First by Second..." method (F.O.I.L) to get the middle term: x^2 + 6x + 9.

2. The "Calculator Mode" (Degrees)

• The Error: Having the calculator in the wrong mode (Radians/Grads) for Trigonometry.

• The Fix: For Ordinary Level, your calculator should almost always be in Degrees (D) mode. If you reset your calculator before the exam, check the top of the screen immediately. If you see an 'R' or 'G', change it back to 'D' or your Sin/Cos/Tan answers will be wrong.

3. Money and Rounding

• The Error: Writing an answer like 15.4 for a money question, or rounding too early.

• The Fix:

  • Money: Always needs two decimal places. Write €15.40, not €15.4.

  • Rounding: Do not round your numbers in the middle of a sum. Keep the long number in your calculator and only round the very final answer.

4. Forgetting the Units

• The Error: Doing all the hard work to find the Area or Volume, but leaving the number 'naked' (e.g., just writing "54").

• The Fix: Marks are often deducted for missing units in Area/Volume questions.

  • Measuring a line? cm or m

  • Measuring Area? cm^2 or m^2

  • Measuring Volume? cm^3 or m^3

Effective preparation requires consistent practice and expert guidance. Join the Dublin Academy of Education for focused tuition that delivers results.

Review the exact history of every question from the last six years of standard sittings. Use this matrix to identify "Anchors" — questions that remain consistent year after year.