Thanks David,
On a less positive note I was at the Central Maths Hub meeting last night (at Birmingham University) along with some A Level Mathematics
teachers and they told me that they and also most of the teachers they had spoken to have experienced much fewer students having started A Level Mathematics in September. One of the teachers at the meeting has actually seen their numbers halve! The reason
they put forward was the change to the new GCSE Mathematics. I know its early days and we won’t know the true position until the numbers of A Level entries are formally reported but that won’t be for some time, but this does not bode well.
Best wishes
Alun
From: The sigma network for cross-university mathematics and statistics
support [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Bowers
Sent: 23 November 2017 10:47
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Maths in the Budget!
Dear sigma
Network,
More maths for everyone! Don't let anyone say I don't know how to show the nation a good time!
Yesterday's Budget announcement by Chancellor Philip Hammond included the above quip to accompany the promise of additional funding to improve maths skills. The main focus was on a further roll-out
of "maths mastery" in primary schools, together with additional funding for pupils taking A level or (hooray!) Core Maths at 16+.
On behalf of the
sigma network, I have written to the Chancellor to urge that attention is also given to maintaining and enhancing the quantitative skills of all students across higher education too, and outlined
the acknowledged achievements of sigma
over the past 12 years. I assured the Treasury (if they even read that far....) that the
sigma Network would be keen to collaborate on developing a national programme for cross-university mathematics and statistics skills support.
Meanwhile. let's celebrate the fact that maths got a mention in the Budget! There are of course critical voices (see for example
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-42081388 ). But let's use the strapline of "giving people a good time" with maths to promote our own maths support centres. Here are some more quotable
quotes:
"Knowledge of maths is key to the hi-tech, cutting-edge jobs in our digital economy," said Mr Hammond.
The Chancellor said he wanted "highly talented young mathematicians" to be able to "release their potential wherever they live and whatever their background".
Onwards!
David
David Bowers
Chair, sigma Network for Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics Support (www.sigma-network.ac.uk)
