Mathematics in science – report from SCORE and the Nuffield Foundation

SCORE launched its report on mathematics in the sciences, at a joint event with the Nuffield Foundation. The findings show that a large number of mathematical requirements listed in the biology, chemistry and physics specifications are assessed in a limited way or not at all within these papers. The mathematical requirements that are assessed are covered repeatedly and often at a lower level of difficulty than required for progression into higher education and employment. Also highlighted is a disparity between awarding organisations in their assessment of the use of mathematics within biology, chemistry and physics A-level.

Among the policy recommendations that SCORE has highlighted is the proposal that there should be a review of the mathematical requirements for each of the three subjects covered by the research to ensure they are fit for purpose, a framework to ensure mathematical requirements are assessed appropriately, and for higher education to signal the mathematical requirements of their courses more clearly, so that students are able to prepare more effectively.