The longer I live, and the more I learn about other countries' education systems, the stranger it seems that maths education is mandatory in my country the whol

The longer I live, and the more I learn about other countries' education systems, the stranger it seems that maths education is mandatory in my country the whole way through. (unless you get an exemption) English, Irish, maths. (to get a 'pass' in your 'leaving cert') Everything else totally optional, but usually four other subjects.