A strong foundation in mathematics and numeracy skills is fundamental to our children and young people’s learning in STEM and to support them in their pursuit of future STEM careers. In line with this, the Royal Society have launched the Mathematical Futures programme which aims to support the role of “mathematics for individuals, economies and society, strengthening diversity and reducing inequity.”
The programme seeks to answer two core questions:
- What mathematical competences will be needed by citizens to thrive in the future?
- How should education systems develop these mathematical competences?
We encourage you to think about what this looks like in your context. For example: Which aspects of numeracy and mathematics in the Broad General Education are key for progression in Senior Phase STEM subjects? Has the increase in online payments and the prevalence of “loot boxes” in online games had an impact on learners understanding of money? Two of the key skills from SDS’s Skills 4.0 paper are sense making and critical thinking – can mathematics education support the development of the associated skills of pattern recognition, analysis and logical thinking?
The Numeracy and Mathematics team at Education Scotland have already canvassed the views of the national numeracy and mathematics networks and invited individual survey responses from interested parties. However, we are keen to encourage practitioners working across all areas of STEM education to contribute to this survey and have your views heard.
The call for views closes on 11 January 2021.
The survey can be accessed here:
Mathematical Futures programme Call for Views | Royal Society
The call for views is open to:
- Primary schools, secondary schools and FE colleges
- Higher Education Institutions
- School and college staff
- Other educational professionals including academics and researchers
- Parents and carers
- Young people
- Businesses
- Organisations providing activities for children and young people
- Other interested parties.
