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Academics denounce maths A-level | Academics denounce maths A-level |
(1 day later) | |
Dozens of university academics have put their names to calls for a new maths A-level in England to be scrapped. | Dozens of university academics have put their names to calls for a new maths A-level in England to be scrapped. |
Educators for Reform, a think tank offshoot, say "use of mathematics" is not of A-level standard. | Educators for Reform, a think tank offshoot, say "use of mathematics" is not of A-level standard. |
They argue it will mislead students from poor backgrounds and will not prepare people for university study. | They argue it will mislead students from poor backgrounds and will not prepare people for university study. |
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said a consultation on the new course was just ending but it was meant to supplement existing A-levels. | The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said a consultation on the new course was just ending but it was meant to supplement existing A-levels. |
The new qualification is intended to be taught from September 2011. | The new qualification is intended to be taught from September 2011. |
The academics - at least 62 of them as of Thursday afternoon - say that in particular the compulsory algebra and calculus units are "considerably less demanding and cover less content than A-level". | The academics - at least 62 of them as of Thursday afternoon - say that in particular the compulsory algebra and calculus units are "considerably less demanding and cover less content than A-level". |
Dilution | Dilution |
The maths professors and lecturers are basing their opinions on the AS-level in use of mathematics and pilot papers for the A2, the second part of an A-level. | The maths professors and lecturers are basing their opinions on the AS-level in use of mathematics and pilot papers for the A2, the second part of an A-level. |
FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme | |
They say curriculum time is taken up with practical activities rather than developing advanced mathematical understanding. | They say curriculum time is taken up with practical activities rather than developing advanced mathematical understanding. |
Another plank of their objections, being presented in response to a QCA consultation, is that there is already a shortage of specialist maths teachers in secondary schools. | Another plank of their objections, being presented in response to a QCA consultation, is that there is already a shortage of specialist maths teachers in secondary schools. |
These will be spread even more thinly if they are having to teach another course as well as A-level mathematics, they say. | |
And they argue fewer students might take the main maths A-level if use of mathematics presents an easier option. name="story"> | |
class="bodl" href="#map">Click here to see sample A2 questions | |
Most universities will continue to demand A-level mathematics for those wishing to study physics, economics, chemistry, computer science and engineering, according to their report. | |
"Students attending schools - usually in the poorest areas - that do not have a detailed knowledge of university admission policies will be unaware of this," it says. | |
"Some university admissions tutors have already had to turn away bright students whose teachers (wrongly) believed that a Grade A in AS-level use of mathematics was appropriate preparation for subjects requiring a high degree of mathematical literacy." | "Some university admissions tutors have already had to turn away bright students whose teachers (wrongly) believed that a Grade A in AS-level use of mathematics was appropriate preparation for subjects requiring a high degree of mathematical literacy." |
Professor Nick Shepherd-Barron at Cambridge University said: "As far as A-level is concerned creativity has been not just hidden, but lost. | |
"Instead mathematics is presented as a mindless exercise in the execution of routines." | |
'Skills for progression' | |
For the A2 exam, students must take a compulsory paper in calculus, and choose two other papers. | |
These include options such as data analysis, decision mathematics, dynamics, hypothesis testing, mathematical comprehension and mathematical principles for personal finance. | |
Educators for Reform say there are already free-standing qualifications suitable for those who do not need a full-blown maths A-level. | |
They say GCSE-level study should be made more rigorous - and A-level less dull. | They say GCSE-level study should be made more rigorous - and A-level less dull. |
A QCA spokesman said A-level use of mathematics was intended to be an addition to AS and A-levels, not a replacement. | A QCA spokesman said A-level use of mathematics was intended to be an addition to AS and A-levels, not a replacement. |
"It is designed to be accessible to a wide range of students and to improve the mathematical knowledge and skills needed for progression to employment and higher education (but not for mathematics or mathematics-related degrees)," he said. | |
"It will help develop a workforce with appropriate skills to meet the needs of business and industry." | "It will help develop a workforce with appropriate skills to meet the needs of business and industry." |
He added it was too early to comment on the final specifications of the new qualifications, as the public consultation on the draft criteria ended on 10 July and a full analysis of the responses would then be carried out. | |
"Once proposals are approved, awarding bodies will develop new specifications for accreditation by [regulator] Ofqual." | "Once proposals are approved, awarding bodies will develop new specifications for accreditation by [regulator] Ofqual." |
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