Why maths still counts
19 January 2010 by Editor
Bring up the subject of maths and people tend to split into two
distinct groups: those who say "I'm not much good at it" in a
vaguely shamefaced and shuffling way; or the more swaggeringly
announced "I'm rubbish at maths", as if it's something to brag
about.
It's the peculiarly British culture of pride in our mathematical
inability that yesterday's Williams review is attempting to change.
One of the report's key recommendations is to pay teachers
£1,000 to attend summer schools that will boost their maths skills
and improve their teaching.
The highest qualification most primary school teachers hold is a
grade C in maths GCSE, often gained over 10 years before they
started teacher training.
And only 2.3% of trainee primary teachers doing post grade
certificate in education courses have studied maths, science,
technology or engineering to degree level.
Today, the Guardian pitted various celebrities against a sample
Sats test that is aimed at 11-year-olds. Some struggled, some
didn't. I definitely fall into the shamefaced and shuffling camp,
when I confess that I did.
To read more please visit the Guardian website.