MATHS RESULTS:THE HEAD of Irish Emmy-award winning gaming company Havok has said that a lack of maths graduates was threatening the company's presence here.
Speaking about poor results in maths yesterday, Havok’s managing director David Coghlan said: “Our preference is to keep our research and development facility in Ireland, but with a lack of maths graduates, it’s a challenge.”
Mr Coghlan, whose company is recruiting for maths graduates, said he was pleased with the calibre of Irish graduates “but it’s the quantity that’s the problem”.
Mr Coghlan said the introduction of bonus points for honours maths was fair. “With the points race, it’s not surprising that students favour less time-consuming subjects. Without bonus points the incentive just isn’t there.”
Havok, which employs 35 people in Ireland, was one of the companies consulted on the Project Maths curriculum. Mr Coghlan said he was encouraged by the move to reform the subject.
“A smart economy will be underpinned by research and development. This requires problem-solving skills and an aptitude in maths is the best indictor of these skills,” he added.
