Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 47
47
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Create numeracy qualification for students missing Level 4 GCSE Mathematics grades
Recommendation
An A level maths qualification will evidently not be appropriate for all students. A level 3 core maths qualification provides applied, real-world maths skills, including financial skills, and we believe that more students should have the opportunity to study this qualification. The Government should consider a qualification or accreditation in numeracy for those who currently miss out on level 4 grades as an alternative to repeated retakes of GCSE Mathematics.
Government Response Summary
The government is convening an expert advisory group and commissioning research to advise on essential maths knowledge and skills for young people, including financial literacy, as part of a broader 'Maths to 18' mission.
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Government Response
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HM Government
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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.