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:

• Skills for Jobs: Lifelong Learning for Opportunity and Growth White Paper (January 2021) 

The post Making Mathematics a Compulsory Subject for Students Until Age 18 & What It Really Means for Children and Students appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

Wondering how to help your child excel in their exams? Here are some useful exam tips on how to optimise revision time and how to keep stress to a minimum.

1) Core understanding is crucial

Revision is very important, but if your child struggled with a subject the first time around you are fighting a losing battle. Make sure your child has a firm grasp of the basics before they get going with revision exercises. If they are about to take an 11+ exam, for example, test them regularly on each topic. Repetition is key here, so try and factor in a few questions on percentages, fractions and shapes every day, even if it is just in the car on the way to school.

2) Practice makes perfect

Some exams are very formulaic. 11+ exams, for example, test the same skills every year. It is worth investing in a large wad of practice questions, therefore, and helping your child work through them. That way, they become familiar with the format of the test and know exactly what to expect. Innate ability is not everything, and there are plenty of books on sale to give your child the practice they need.

3) Draw up a revision timetable

Nobody wants to feel like they should be working all the time. It is very useful, therefore, to allocate specific times of the day for revision. Many children are most alert and productive in the morning. If it is school holiday time, therefore, put aside an hour or so before lunch for your child to practise their spelling, creative writing or arithmetic. Research has shown we work best in 30 to 40 minute bursts, so bear this in mind when you are designing a schedule. If your child is older, encourage them to make their own revision timetable and to factor in regular breaks. It will help them to manage their time and keep on top of their work.

This BBC Bitesize page is a fantastic resource for all things related to timetabling:

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/articles/zn3497h

4) Make sure there’s time to relax

Yes, hard work always pays off. However, it is essential your child has some downtime where they can just relax and have fun. Whether they like seeing friends, baking or going to the cinema, encourage them to keep doing what they enjoy. Doing something completely different will help clear their head, ward off stress, and make the time they spend working more productive.

5) Sport can be beneficial

There’s lots of evidence that suggests physical activity can improve brain functioning. Fresh air is wonderful thing, and sport helps to reduce stress and improve sleep — the ancient saying ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ isn’t still famous for nothing. Plus, if your teenager is spending time exercising, it means they are spending time away from their phone and computer, which can only be a good thing.

6) Look into revision courses

Revision courses are proven to boost exam performance. Hampstead and Frognal Tutors run two day revision courses throughout the year in GCSE English, Maths and Science, along with 11+ English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. 13+ Revision Courses in Maths, Science and English are also available. Fun and focused, these revision courses impart both knowledge and confidence.

For more information, click here: https://hampsteadandfrognaltutors.org.uk/contact-us/

7) Don’t start revision too early

Feeling burnt out is a real risk for diligent students. If teenagers start revising too early for their GCSEs or A Levels, they are likely to peak too soon and not be at their best when exam season finally arrives.

Things are slightly different for younger students. If your child is due to sit the 11+ in the next year so, you might want to consider starting some gentle revision. For more advice on when to begin preparing, take a look at our 11+ blog post: “Can I Tutor My Own Child?”

8) Stress is contagious

Everyone wants their children to do well in school. However, children and teenagers easily sense when their parents are anxious, and often feel more stressed as a result. Sometimes you need to explain that exam results are not the most important thing in the world, and that you will be proud no matter what. Ironically, the soothing effect of these words often leads to children doing better in assessments as they approach them with less apprehension.

9) Mock exams work wonders

Regardless of how old they are, it is likely that your child will be nervous before an exam. It is sensible, therefore, to organise a mock exam before they sit the real thing. GCSE and A Level mocks teach students how to manage their time, how to keep calm under pressure and how to improve their exam technique. Younger children are often fazed by the formal nature of assessments, and a mock gives them time to adjust to the strange new set-up.

It helps if the mock takes place in an unfamiliar place and is invigilated by someone who does not know the child well. That way, the test feels more real. It is also worth noting that mark schemes can be hard to understand. If have hired a tutor, give them the answer paper to look at, as they will probably be able to mark it more accurately.

10) Consider hiring a tutor

If you have decided to employ a tutor — be it a GCSE Maths tutoror an A Level English tutor— you have probably made a good decision. One-to-one teaching is hugely powerful, particularly in the run up to exams. Whether your child needs help in a specific area, or general academic support, tutors can make a real difference.

For more information, take a look at this article which appeared in The Telegraph last year.

The post Exam Tips | Advice on Helping Your Child Achieve Exam Success appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.