The 2026 Ordinary Level Mathematics papers provided students with ample opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, while also including some thought-provoking questions across both papers.
In Paper 1, students would likely have taken some comfort from the appearance of familiar question types across topics such as Functions and Patterns. Some questions in Section A may initially have appeared challenging due to less familiar elements. For example, the product of prime factors and a simultaneous equation word problem are two questions more commonly seen at Junior Cycle. Overall, the paper was accessible, allowing all students to make a reasonable attempt at each question, while still providing sufficient challenge for those aiming for the higher grades.
In Paper 2, students may have found parts of Section A slightly more demanding than anticipated. The Cosine Rule, part of question 4, required a sketch to help solve, which may have thrown some students. Also, the expected value question will have proved challenging for a lot of students. Question 6 is likely to have been avoided by many students. However, overall, it was a well-balanced paper, and many students will have appreciated the accessibility of questions in Section B, particularly in Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry.
Across both papers, the overall impression is that some questions were less straightforward than in previous years and required a greater degree of careful thinking before attempting. However, there were still enough familiar and predictable elements in both papers to allow students to build confidence and maximise their performance.
Exam Review: Higher Level Irish, Paper 2
June 9, 2026
