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ACME/The Post-14 Mathematics Inquiry Workshop
Post-14 Mathematics Education:
Towards a Baccalaureate?
Hosted on behalf of the Post-14 Mathematics Inquiry by the
Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education
(ACME), this one day workshop provided an open forum for over 100
representatives from across the 'mathematical world', to discuss long-term
possibilities for the future of post-14 mathematics education in the UK.
The day, introduced and chaired by Chris Llewllyn
Smith (Chair of ACME), opened with a welcoming speech from Adrian Smith
and a review of the government's working group on 14-19 reform by Chair of
this group, Mike Tomlinson.
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School mathematics teachers, university mathematicians, mathematics education
experts, and many others involved in school mathematics and its organisation,
were asked to consider the pros and cons of the current UK 14-19 mathematics
education offerings by comparing and contrasting it with four other systems,
described by four eminent speakers; Catherine
Dufossé, Roger Brown,
Gabrielle Kaiser and
Alison Wolf, who described the French system,
the International Baccalaureate and Australian system, the German system
and vocational mathematical training in Europe, respectively.
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The participants of the workshop discussed these systems and the UK system
in more detail in four break out groups. The feedback and plenary discussion
brought to light a number of issues that had been discussed in each group,
and reflected an overwhelming consensus that there was a need for change
that would engage all pupils in this age group with mathematics at some level.
It was recognised, however, that these changes should be implemented with
due care and considerable forward planning.
In his final comments, Professor Adrian Smith expressed his satisfaction
that the day had seen the beginnings of a serious discussion about vocational
pathways. He also noted the detailed planning now required to realise the
concept of a National Centre embracing local networks, which, he stated,
'have tremendous potential to make a significant, positive impact.' Finally,
Professor Smith responded to the call for change with a note of caution,
recognising that before we can start to think about how long it will take
to implement change, we first needs to know where we want to go, and this
is something that we need to begin mapping out later this year.
The feedback from the day was extremely positive and the Inquiry would like
to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contributions to the
workshop.
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1st Workshop
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Speakers
Speakers' Presentations
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