Citation
(2003), "Improvement in maths "central to future economic success", Education + Training, Vol. 45 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2003.00445eab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
Improvement in maths "central to future economic success"
Improvement in maths "central to future economic success"
The Government has announced a new National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching as part of a drive to build on improvements in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Speaking at an international mathematics seminar organised by the Advisory Committee for Mathematics Education (ACME), Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke, said that mathematics is central to future economic success, underpinning progress in science, engineering and finance. "We need to undo the myth that it is acceptable to be poor at maths", he argued. The numeracy strategy had made huge progress, giving children the right foundations at an early age. This progress was being carried forward in secondary schools. But too many pupils still were not fulfilling their potential.
Mr Clarke outlined the need to be better at inspiring and supporting teachers, refreshing the enthusiasm for maths that led them into teaching the subject in the first place. The National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching would:
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cover all ages, from pre-school through to universities and adult learning;
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provide teachers with professional support, training and development;
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work with teachers to produce specific curriculum support, exciting classroom materials and opportunities to explore different teaching approaches;
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work with the numeracy strategy in primary schools and the maths strand of the key Stage 3 national strategy in secondary schools;
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link closely with specialist schools, local partner schools and universities to create strong and innovative subject-specialist networks; and
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support and enhance projects for the benefit of mathematically-gifted young people.
Mr Clarke said: "I am looking to business to support the new National Centre for Maths. We have a great partnership with the Wellcome Trust, working together to create a new National Science Centre. I am sure business and charitable trusts will want to work with us on maths as well."