Figures released today by the Joint Council for Qualifications show that Mathematics entries are continuing to grow year on year at both A-level and AS.
The number of A-level Mathematics entries is up 3.3% on last year, with AS Mathematics increasing by 5.1%.
Further Mathematics also continues to grow, with entries increasing by 7.6% at A-level this year and 12.9% at AS.
This means that since 2007 the number of A-level Mathematics entries has risen by 42.7% and in Further Mathematics the increase is even greater at 68%. This is a very welcome trend for Mathematics and points to the value students are putting on the subject and the skills it gives them to pursue their future career aspirations. This is also good news in our wider society as Mathematics is a subject that underpins 21st century technology and the economy, and is recognised as such in the employment market.
Dr Tony Gardiner, Education Secretary of the LMS said, ‘We welcome the continued year on year increases in uptake of A-level Mathematics (3.3%) and Further Mathematics (7.6%), and in AS Mathematics (5.1%) and Further Mathematics (12.9%). The rising trend over the past 5–6 years is truly remarkable: mathematics A-levels now account for 11.4% of all entries – more than any other subject. It is essential that Ofqual’s current review does nothing to undermine this position’.
Professor Nigel Steele, Honorary Secretary of the IMA added, ‘In agreeing with Dr Gardiner’s comments, I welcome the upward trend in the numbers of students studying, and being successful in, Mathematics at all levels. Great care must be taken in the current National Curriculum review to maintain this upward trend, which is so important for the UK economy’.
The London Mathematical Society (LMS) and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) extend their congratulations to all students and their teachers on today’s AS and A-level results.
Notes for Editors
- The London Mathematical Society (LMS) is the UK’s learned society for mathematics. Founded in 1865 for the promotion and extension of mathematical knowledge, the Society is concerned with all branches of mathematics and its applications. It is an independent and self-financing charity, with a membership of over 2600 drawn from all parts of the UK and overseas. Its principal activities are the organisation of meetings and conferences, the publication of periodicals and books, the provision of financial support for mathematical activities, and the contribution to public debates on issues related to mathematics research and education. It works collaboratively with other mathematical bodies worldwide. It is the UK adhering body to the International Mathematical Union.
- The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is the learned and professional society for mathematics. It promotes mathematics research, education and careers, and the use of mathematics in business, industry and commerce. Amongst its activities the IMA produces academic journals, organises conferences, and engages with government. Founded in 1964, the Institute has 5,000 members. Forty percent of members are employed in education (schools through to universities), and the other 60% work in commercial, industrial and governmental organisations. In 1990 the Institute was incorporated by Royal Charter and was subsequently granted the right to award Chartered Mathematician and Chartered Mathematics Teacher designation.
- The LMS and IMA are members of the Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS), which also comprises the Royal Statistical Society, the Edinburgh Mathematical Society and the Operational Research Society.
- For a complete set of national results, visit http://www.jcq.org.uk/national_results/alevels/
Contact:
Dr John Johnston
Mathematics Promotion Unit
London Mathematical Society
De Morgan House
57–58 Russell Square
London WC1B 4HS.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7927 0804
Email: john.johnston@lms.ac.uk
