In 2021, a proposal was put forward in the UK government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper which outlined various measures that aimed to improve education and training for British people after the age of 16. One such measure included within the White Paper was a proposal to make mathematics a compulsory subject for students until age 18 – a topic that has recently come to the forefront of conversation across the nation.
In a bid to improve the mathematical literacy of the population, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has encouraged a proposal that would see students in England continuing to study maths in some capacity, either through A-levels or similar vocational qualifications.
In doing so, Sunak and many others argue we will be able to improve the economy but also provide individuals with opportunities to better navigate quantitative challenges in their personal and professional lives. However, alongside the benefits there are also many counter arguments to this proposal to be considered.
At the time of writing, a definitive date has not been given for when a decision will be made on whether this policy comes into play and the topic is still widely debated. While we wait with baited breath to hear more on the next steps, we are looking at the matter and both sides of the argument in more depth and getting to the bottom of what the decision really means for students.
So, what are the positives of making mathematics a compulsory subject for students until age 18?
Improved mathematical literacy and greater job prospects
Many have argued that making mathematics a compulsory subject for students until age 18 will improve individuals’ mathematical literacy and could increase their future job prospects and earning potential, particularly in industries such as finance, engineering and technology.
Increased competitivity
By improving the mathematical skills of the population, many suggest this policy also has the potential to enhance the UK’s international competitiveness in a variety of fields.
Improvements to the economy
As a knock-on effect of increasing job prospects for more of the population and driving international competitiveness, the policy could improve our economy with people able to achieve higher-earning roles and better manage personal and professional finances.
What is the counter argument for making mathematics a compulsory subject for students until age 18?
Shortage of qualified mathematics teachers
The main argument from people within education is that there are simply not enough qualified mathematics teachers in England to support a policy where mathematics is compulsory until age 18. A lack of staff could lead to inadequate education and subsequently have a negative impact on students’ understanding and enjoyment of maths.
Cost to implement the policy
While it is expected that implementing this policy would improve the economy, many have questioned what it would in turn cost the economy to put this into action. Take, for example, the additional staff needed at schools across the nation, changes to curriculums and additional exams and invigilators. These big changes may have a positive impact on the economy in the long term (though that is not guaranteed) and the cost to roll the policy out nationwide would certainly have a measurable impact on the economy in the short-term.
Limitations across other fields
Members of the Performing Arts community have raised concerns that making mathematics a compulsory subject for students until age 18 could potentially limit opportunities for students to pursue creative subjects, including the arts.
Similarly, teachers of other core subjects such as English, Science and Modern Foreign Languages have argued that students require a more balanced approach that includes a variety of subjects, including mathematics and the arts, to ensure students receive a well-rounded education.
If implemented, students would need to prioritise their time and resources towards mandatory mathematics classes resulting in an imbalance across other subject fields.
Not suitable for all students
At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we are acutely aware that every student has a different way of learning and different skills. While there are a number of ‘pros’ to making mathematics compulsory for students until age 18, there is also the potential for it to have a negative impact on students who find mathematics more challenging as they may feel isolated and disengage with the subject altogether.
It has been debated that some students thrive in other subjects and are equipped to manage real life scenarios with the mathematical skills acquired pre-age 16.
The impact on A-Levels
A few have also asked questions about whether mandatory mathematics would include a qualification that would play a role in UCAS applications for those looking to go onto higher education and whether studying another topic would have a negative impact on a student’s ability to study for and excel in their A-Level subjects.
If mathematics becomes a compulsory subject for students until age 18, what does that mean for my child?
While there are positives to the policy coming into action and skills young people can carry forward with them in life, it seems there are still a number of logistical hurdles to be overcome before the nation gets on board and this can move ahead, especially with regards to the shortage of qualified mathematics teachers.
However, should the policy come into effect (or if your child simply needs a helping hand with mathematics until age 16) there are a number of mathematics resources available that can support students’ education outside of school, such as tutoring.
At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we have a roster of experienced mathematics tutors who are specialists in their field and are passionately dedicated to supporting children’s learning.
All of our tutors are highly qualified and experienced educators, who are attentive to the needs and aspirations of those they teach and have faultless academic records.
At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we know that every student is unique and carefully craft the tuition we provide to bring out the best in every pupil. We stay abreast of changes to the curriculum, so we will be staying close to any changes that follow the implementation of Sunak’s proposed policy.
Many of our mathematics tutors have taught at leading independent schools while others hold first class degrees from Oxford or Cambridge but all are provided with in-house training and resources to ensure they are equipped to drive students’ academic growth through exciting and stimulating tuition.
During the first session, our mathematics tutors will make an initial assessment of your child’s academic attainment and devise an individual Learning Growth Action Plan tailored to their needs and academic learning goals. We also offer both in-person and online tutoring so our tutors can adapt to your child’s needs and be flexible to suit your family’s schedule and support with mathematics (whether mandatory or not) can go uninterrupted.
++
Useful resources: