Overview
PRISM (Problem Solving for Irish Second Level) is a maths problem-solving competition for secondary students, developed and run by the Mathematics Department at the University of Galway (formerly NUI Galway). It is held in October during Maths Week and is open to all post-primary schools across the island of Ireland.
Who can enter
Entry is through schools. The test is run in class at the same time in every registered school, under teacher supervision. Registration is online.
Exam pattern
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Multiple choice |
| Questions | 15 |
| Time | 1 hour |
| Papers | A Junior Cycle paper and a Senior Cycle paper |
The paper is designed to be challenging, especially the last five questions.
Marking and results
Participation certificates go to all entrants and performance certificates to higher scorers.
After the competition
The Irish Mathematics Trust recommends PRISM as practice for the Irish Mathematical Olympiad, whose first round is in November.
Preparation tips
Practice papers from earlier years are available on the Maths Week page.
Note
The Maths Week page shown here is for 2019. Check Maths Week Ireland and the Trust for the current year's date and cost.
Can I enter on my own?
Schools register and run the test, so ask your maths teacher.