Maths

Drumcondra Post-Primary Maths Test (Paper)

Drumcondra Post-Primary Maths Test (Online)

Drumcondra Post-Primary Maths Test (Paper)

The DPPT-Maths was developed in response to a need for such a test identified by the DES in the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy 2011-2020. The DPPT-Maths is based on the Project Maths syllabus for Junior Cycle, and draws on international best practice in ‎assessment to provide a test that is suitable for an Irish context. The test aims to complement a teacher’s observations and assessments of a student’s performance. It gives guidance on strengths, and on the types of difficulties experienced by students. This information can feed into effective planning and learning.

Test Features

45 multiple choice questions
Emphasis on higher-order skills of reasoning and problem solving
Each question linked to a learning outcome in the Project Maths Syllabus

Even distribution of questions across content areas
Focus on real-life, practical contexts

The DPPT-Maths is available at two levels in order to appropriately challenge students of differing ability levels. Form A of each test is designed for students who are likely to take the Junior Certificate Mathematics examination at Ordinary or Foundation levels. Form B is designed for students who are likely to take the Mathematics exam at Higher level. In practice, either form of the test can be used, except for very low achievers (who should complete Form A) and very high achievers (who should complete Form B).

The DPPT- Maths can be administered to class or year groups, and takes approximately 70 minutes to administer. This includes time to distribute and collect materials and complete identification information, as well as actual testing time. Forms A and B can be administered together.

All Questions on the DPPT-Read follow a multiple-choice format.

Domain: Mathematics
Based on: Project Maths Syllabi
Format: Multiple Choice
Forms: A (easier) and B (more difficult)
Administration Time: 70 minutes
Administration Format: Large or small groups
Scoring: Electronic
Reporting: Electronic
Subscales Reported: Statistics & Probability; Geometry & Trigonometry; Number & Measures; Algebra & Functions

Content of DPPT-Maths

Each form of the DPPT-M comprises 45 items, including 16 common maths items. To follow the Project Maths approach and syllabus, the assessment framework for the test has two main dimensions which are used to report student performance – ‘Mathematics Content’ and ‘Cognitive Process Skills’.

The ‘Mathematics Content’ of the test items is organised in strands and includes:

(i) Statistics & Probability; (ii) Geometry & Trigonometry;
(iii) Number & Measure; (iv) Algebra & Functions.

Two broad clusters of process skills are assessed and reported on: ‘Recall & Implement’; and ‘Reason & Problem Solve’.

Scoring and Reporting

The DPPT-Read is completed on a machine-scorable answer sheet that is available from the Educational Research Centre. The same answer sheet is used for the DPPT-Maths and the DPPT-Read (and hence a student needs just one answer sheet for both tests). Answer sheets can be returned to the ERC for scoring. The ERC will then forward reports to schools that include overall scores and subscale scores.

Drumcondra Post-Primary Maths Test (Online)

The Drumcondra Post-Primary Maths Test is a curriculum-based assessment of mathematics achievement. It is targeted at students in the final term of 2nd year in post-primary school. The content of the test is aligned with the strands of the new Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus. The test questions are divided into four content areas: Statistics & Probability, Geometry, Number & Measure, and Algebra & Functions. The test also assesses the cognitive process skills of Recall & Implement, and Reason & Problem Solve.

Test Features

50 multiple choice questions
Even distribution of questions across content areas
Emphasis on higher-order skills of reasoning and problem solving to reflect new syllabus
Each question linked to a learning outcome in the Junior Certificate Mathematics Syllabus

Focus on real-life, practical contexts
Majority of questions based on Ordinary level topics
Includes an integrated calculator and formulae sheet

Sample Post-Primary Maths test reports

Class/Group reports summarising each pupil's performance including subscales

Spreadsheet of all student data including subscales

Individual Pupil Reports designed for parents/guardians

Two versions of a maths test for 2nd year have been available in paper format since 2014. The content for the computer-based test has been newly developed and expanded to include four different versions of the test. Schools choosing to administer the Maths test online can also avail of our free automated scoring and reporting options.