Government releases 'A world-class mathematics education for all' report

A major new review - commissioned by the Conservative Party in opposition before the last election - authored by TV Presenter Carol Vorderman has underlined the critical importance of mathematics and made a number of radical recommendations to the way mathematics should be taught in schools.

Among other things, the review has suggested that all students should study mathematics up to the age of 18 as figures show that 300,000 children currently leave school without the sufficient mathematical skills to function in their personal lives or the workplace.

However, the study makes it clear that not all students should be forced to take mathematics A-levels, but could instead be enrolled in a number of alternative courses covering topics from mathematics. For example, incorporating maths units into existing apprenticeship programmes, or a newly-created 'maths for citizenship' qualification to teach sixth-form students the mathematics basics needed for everyday life.

The report also recommended the creation of a new functional mathematics GCSE for 14 - 16 year-olds which would focus on areas such as financial literacy, data handling and an understanding of real0life issues such as managing their personal finances.

Another recommendation of the review is to incorporate mathematics into other primary school subjects to ensure that adding, subtracting and dividing becomes part of a 'daily routine' for all children from the age of five. Furthermore, there needs to be a focus on the active encouragement of maths activities outside of daily lessons.

The report also warned that that better training, support and resources needs to be offered to primary teachers in order to improve their subject knowledge and confidence.

The report highlights the need for a mathematically skilled workforce to drive the economy and concludes: "unless major alterations in our mathematics education are made, and quickly, we are risking our future economic prosperity".

The report will be used to inform a wider Government review of the National Curriculum to be published next year.

Download the report below.

For a list of interesting and engaging mathematics teaching resources, visit the National STEM Centre eLibrary.