THE INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICS
AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Education

We do not teach arithmetic in Kindergarten. A knowledge of mathematics is not necessary to a four year old. Any premature instruction arrests development - Philosophy of Froebel Kindergarten

Archive Education Reports and News

Whether or not you feel that the UK government has delivered on its promises for improving education, be assured that the IMA Education Services Area (ESA) is active in promoting mathematics education at secondary and tertiary levels.

The IMA is a member of the Joint Council of Mathematics (JMC) and we inform the deliberations of the Advisory Committee for Mathematical Education (ACME). We operate through two committees:

The Higher Education Services Area (HEdSA)

The Schools and Further Education Group (S&FE) Group

For further details of the work of these committees follow the appropriate links.

The IMA is uniquely placed to comment on this range of activities. Members of the IMA work in Schools, Colleges and Universities and also in Industry, Commerce and Government Service, and so the Institute has access to information and opinion from many sectors of national life.

ACME
ACME - 2009 Conference Summary Report
In March 2009, ACME held a conference at the Royal Society on The Future of Mathematics in Schools and Colleges - A policy perspective. The conference summary report has now been published and is available from http://www.acme-uk.org/news.asp?id=148.

Money-saving maths teacher goes online to solve budget bust-ups
An innovative maths teacher has taken to the web with four short films for the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) to explain how to solve modern maths conundrums, while showing the exciting reality of modern maths teaching.
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Interested?  Visit the CMathTeach web pages for more information on the designation, the equivalence routes, application forms and details on how to apply, ima.org.uk/cmathteach.

Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA)
As of the 20 July 2009, QCA has been operating under the name Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA), www.qcda.gov.uk.  QCDA is responsible for developing the curriculum, improving and delivering assessments, and reviewing and reforming qualifications whilst the regulatory functions have been moved to the new independent regulator for qualifications, the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual), www.ofqual.gov.uk. 

Find out about the big changes in GCSE Mathematics
In January 2010, AQA are launching their new GCSE Mathematics specification for first teaching in September 2010.  Changes to their specification include a greater emphasis on problem solving and applying mathematics.  To understand these changes and hear back from the pilot centres, have a look at AQA's short leaflet: Your guide to the BIG changes in Maths.

There is also a Maths Resource Zone which includes:
                                                                                draft specification 
                                                                                draft specification summary leaflet 
                                                                                draft specimen papers and mark schemes

New resources will be added to the Resource Zone over the coming months.

New Networking Opportunity for Education Members the IMA Post-16 Forum
The Post-16 Forum is envisaged as an electronic discussion group driven by members for members. The pre-requisite requirement is for an active email address. It will facilitate networking opportunities between members and active participation may contribute to a member's informal CPD record. If you would like to join this Forum please send an email request to Vanessa Thorogood, Education Officer at vanessa.thorogood@ima.org.uk.

How you can help the IMA respond to consultations
The Education Service Area is seeking to develop a mechanism for our committees to consult more effectively with fellow members practising outside the education sectors. The Honorary Secretary-Education and the Chairs of the Education Committees invite you to support their work by joining the appropriate e-consultative group. Further Details