Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 46
46
Accepted
Paragraph: 187
Young people require key mathematical skills for modern world employment
Recommendation
Young people should be leaving compulsory education equipped with a portfolio of key mathematical skills such as numeracy, data analysis, financial literacy and statistical reasoning that they will need for the modern world.
Government Response Summary
The government will convene an expert advisory group, review maths content in apprenticeships, and commission international research to define the essential mathematical skills young people need for the modern world, including financial literacy.
Paragraph Reference:
187
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
On 17 April, the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Education set out how we will take the next steps towards delivering our Maths to 18 mission. This includes convening an expert advisory group to advise on the essential maths knowledge and skills young people need to study to the age of 18. Alongside this, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education will work with employers to review the maths content in apprenticeships. The UK is one of the only countries in the OECD where we do not routinely see most young people studying some form of maths until they are 18. Our assessment of the right maths content and qualifications should also be informed by how our international competitors teach maths to young people. We will therefore commission research on post-16 maths provision around the world, ensuring the curriculum in this country rivals that of the highest performing countries. The Expert Advisory Group will collate evidence and provide advice to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Education on what maths knowledge and skills are needed for jobs in the modern economy, and therefore what ‘best in class’ modern maths content should look like. The scope of the group, as set out in its terms of reference, includes considering what maths knowledge do young people need by age 18 to manage their own finances.