As this article from the BBC website shows Maths is vitally important even when we don't realise it. Probably as much as anything as being able to do maths demonstrates an ability to problem solve and an understanding of the key issues, as I discussed in my previous blog post.
But now research has shown that if you're behind in mathematics by the time you're 11 you will earn up to 7% less in your working career. Worse than that if you don't pass GCSE Mathematics at 16 you will be expected to continue with it until 18 and probably beyond that too if you haven't passed then.
At last the importance of the exam is finally being recognised but insisting that you continue with a subject until you pass is not going to improve things. Surely its a whole lot better to pass the first time and then either build on those skills with higher level courses or accept that you have enough basic skills to access the workplace confidently and choose new routes to follow.
Using the units from the Mathstastic website will foster an interest in a wide range of topics and help pupils to realise the relevance of the subject matter which is all too often lacking when teachers are pressed for time
But now research has shown that if you're behind in mathematics by the time you're 11 you will earn up to 7% less in your working career. Worse than that if you don't pass GCSE Mathematics at 16 you will be expected to continue with it until 18 and probably beyond that too if you haven't passed then.
At last the importance of the exam is finally being recognised but insisting that you continue with a subject until you pass is not going to improve things. Surely its a whole lot better to pass the first time and then either build on those skills with higher level courses or accept that you have enough basic skills to access the workplace confidently and choose new routes to follow.
Using the units from the Mathstastic website will foster an interest in a wide range of topics and help pupils to realise the relevance of the subject matter which is all too often lacking when teachers are pressed for time