Post-16 maths to be universal but not compulsory
21 July 2017
Post-16 maths should be universal but not compulsory.
That’s the conclusion from Professor Sir Adrian Smith’s long-awaited review into post-16 maths education.
In his 88-page report, Smith concludes that we do not yet have the appropriate range of pathways or the teaching capacity to deliver the required volume and range, but that universal, rather than compulsory maths could become a realistic proposition within a decade.
The report includes analysis and recommendations to increase participation and improve maths education for 16 to 18-year-olds in England.
Recommendations for the government include:
- Work to improve participation in Level 3 maths, including core maths qualifications, developing the capability and capacity of the teaching workforce, including in the FE sector
- Review the 16-19 funding model for schools and colleges, providing financial incentives for maths provision
- Improve outcomes for students yet to achieve a standard pass (grade 4) or above in GCSE maths. Smith asks the DfE to review its 16-18 GCSE resit policy with a “fresh” consideration of appropriate qualifications for these students
- Ensure new Functional Skills qualifications have a clear purpose and fit appropriately alongside other qualifications in the 16-18 maths landscape – particularly GCSE maths
- Design technical routes that have mathematical and quantitative skills at their core
- Encourage universities to better recognise the value of Level 3 maths qualifications for entry to degree courses
- Improve the role of technology in teaching 16-18 maths
- Commission a study into the negative attitudes to maths, including gender effects.
In its initial response to the report, the DfE confirmed that, although the current policy for GCSE maths (and English) re-takes post 16 will stay in place in 2017/18, the government will continue to monitor and review the policy to assess whether it is having the desired impact. A fuller government response is to follow.