The Institute welcomes Carol Vorderman’s report – A world-class mathematics education for all our young people – on the health of mathematics education in this country. Her team have produced an in depth analysis of the problems and identified many of the causes for concern. The report is correctly inclusive and calls for a world-class mathematical education for all young people, and recognises that the needs of all learners cannot be met with a single curriculum in mathematics.
We commend the fact that the report insists that mathematics is a subject of critical importance and needs to be exempt from general regulations when they are incompatible with excellent mathematics provision. The detailed recommendations contained in the report are well thought-out and constructive and action is called for on a number of fronts. The report is uncompromising in its call for carefully designed and appropriate mathematics programmes for all, up to the age of 18, and anticipates that one consequence of this would be better preparedness of primary school teachers to deliver essential mathematics with confidence. This is a key stage in a learner’s development and needs special and urgent attention.
Professor Peter Giblin (Liverpool University), a member of the IMA’s Higher Education Committee, said, ‘I welcome the honest analysis of the difficulties of HE in coping with insufficient mathematics preparation for HE study both in STEM subjects and elsewhere. Potential students should have a proper appreciation of the mathematical needs of their proposed subjects of study’.
The Further Maths Support Network (FMSN) has achieved outstanding success in increasing the number of pupils taking Further Mathematics and the report suggests that its delivery methods might well transfer to other parts of the curriculum and perhaps wider. Support for continuing professional development for existing secondary mathematics teachers is vital and must be protected whilst remaining cost effective; the IMA wonders whether there is a role for the approach developed by the FMSN here?
Professor Nigel Steele, Honorary Secretary of the IMA said, ‘This wide ranging report sets out a major challenge for this and future governments. The importance of mathematics to our economy cannot be overstated and we are pleased to see that the Secretary of State has taken a personal interest in this report. What is needed now is the establishment of a strategic planning group to draw up an action plan and a timetable for delivery’
The full report, A world-class mathematics education for all our young people
Notes for Editors
1. The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is the UK’s learned and professional society for mathematics and its applications. 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. www.ima.org.uk
