At this year’s Conservative Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has partnered with AQA to hold a public panel discussion: ‘How to make ‘Maths to 18′ a reality’.
The significance of numeracy skills cannot be underestimated. Currently, the UK’s numeracy levels are notably below the average for developed countries; 49% of the UK’s working-age population have the expected numeracy levels of a primary school leaver. While critical to a child’s development and their progression through the education system, after leaving school numeracy skills are fundamental to navigating all areas of life, from understanding financial information to building a successful and fulfilling career. Moreover, more widely, recent research finds that poor numeracy costs the UK £28.9 billion a year.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister announced his vision to extend Maths provision for all to age 18 to drive economic growth through maximising the potential of every young person. While the focus on numeracy skills was welcomed, there was some concern in the sector over how this policy would be implemented given current teacher shortages and the fact that around a third of young people in England fail their Maths GCSEs; will an extension of provision to 18 really improve outcomes if there are challenges earlier on in a child’s education?
Recognising the importance of numeracy skills both for individuals and the country, this panel will bring together policy makers, school leaders and other education stakeholders to consider the ‘Maths to 18’ policy vision, investigating the evidence for future policy reform. Speakers will discuss what impact an extension of provision could have; what effective implementation might look like and what other reform might be needed to drive up standards and encourage high attainment for all.
We are delighted to welcome Dr Helen Drury, Ark Curriculum Plus; Damian Haigh, University of Liverpool Maths School; Colin Hughes, AQA and Mark Lehain, Centre for Policy Studies. Natalie Perera, EPI’s Chief Executive will chair the session.
** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Conservative Party.**
