The Council for the Mathematical Sciences strongly supports today’s warning by the Advisory Council on Mathematics Education (ACME) of the possible unintended consequences of the new mathematics GCSEs. In particular, it welcomes the call for at least 60 per cent of pupils being entered for both qualifications when they are rolled out nationally in 2010.
The council stressed that the education system must address the needs of all students – including the more mathematically able. The Government Science and Innovation Framework emphasises the essential role that mathematical understanding and skills in almost every sector of employment, from science and engineering to business and finance.
Professor Sir David Wallace, Chair of the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, said, “The quality of mathematics studied at A-level and in higher education must be maintained in order to supply the skilled people that the country needs. For the economic tower that is built on the mathematics taught at GCSE not to collapse, the government must take ACME’s concerns very seriously. All schools must offer both GCSEs, or they risk limiting their pupils’ future success in many sectors.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) was established in 2001 by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, the London Mathematical Society and the Royal Statistical Society to provide a forum for the three mathematical societies. Its purposes are:
- to be proactive in representing the interests of mathematics to government, research councils and other public bodies;
- to seek to promote good practice in the mathematics curriculum and its teaching and learning at all levels and in all sectors of education;
- to respond coherently and effectively to proposals from government and other public bodies which may affect the mathematical community;
- to work where relevant in consultation and co-operation with other bodies.
- The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is the professional and learned society for qualified and practising mathematicians. Its mission is to promote mathematics in industry, business, the public sector, education and research. Founded in 1964, the Institute now has 5500 members.
- The London Mathematical Society (LMS) is a learned society founded in 1865 for the promotion and extension of all branches of mathematics. It is an independent and self-financing charity, with a membership of over 2600 drawn from all parts of the UK and overseas.
- The Royal Statistical Society (RSS), founded in 1834, is one of the UK’s oldest learned and professional societies, with some 7200 members based in the United Kingdom and overseas. The purpose of the Royal Statistical Society is to develop, foster and disseminate statistical knowledge, methodology and good practice for the benefit of all society.
- For further information contact:
Caroline Davis (Mathematics Policy and Promotion Officer, LMS/IMA) De Morgan House, 57-58 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HS. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7927 0804 caroline.davis@lms.ac.uk
Martin Smith (Secretariat, CMS) De Morgan House, 57-58 Russell Square, London, WC1B 4HS. Tel: + 44 (0)20 7927 0803
