Reposted by Debs Gordon
In a letter in the new issue of Mathematics Today, which just arrived, I talk about the range of degrees offering maths and how in my experience it’s a great option for students with lower A level grades.
AMSP videos are here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#MathsToday #UKMathsChat #ITeachMaths
AMSP videos are here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#MathsToday #UKMathsChat #ITeachMaths
![Promoting Inclusive Maths Degrees
I appreciated Cathy Hobbs' article [1] about the work the IMA is doing in response to the paradoxical situation that Maths is the most popular A-level subject while some university courses with lower entry tariffs are under threat due to reduced student interest. A-level grades do not only represent achievement, they also encode a number of extra-curricular factors connected to socioeconomic background, meaning there are extremely capable mathematicians who are not getting the full chance to thrive in the A-level system and might be locked out of becoming professional mathematicians as a result.
One issue is the advice students are being given. Maths teachers have told me they advise students they shouldn't consider maths at university if they aren't on track for an 'A' in A-level Maths, and one said he tells students they can't consider degree-level maths if they aren't taking A-level Further Maths. This stems from a perception that maths is a hard degree, so the advice to study a different subject like finance comes from a kind place.
There are also issues with the perception that maths is a degree that leads to a research career but fewer employment options.
I suspect that some teachers experienced a highly-theoretical degree designed for students with A*/A grades and this is their perception of maths at university. Actually degrees vary consid-erably, with many lower-tariff degrees designed with enhanced student support, a curriculum focused on mathematical practice, and opportunities to develop career skills for the wide range of careers to which a maths degree can lead.
At Sheffield Hallam University we typically see A-level Maths grades ranging from A to D, and only around a quarter of students have some Further Maths. We have a strong track record of students with lower intake grades achieving high quality degree outcomes and developing into excellent graduates with worthwhile careers in mathematical occupations. A recent p…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2cztrl4zqdmevgscjlwmjw5k/bafkreiepzhqxwyjcbx5wlhdtbsvp5umvxtmuilisr2gcvnubce2asod6gy@jpeg)
December 11, 2024 at 1:38 PM
In a letter in the new issue of Mathematics Today, which just arrived, I talk about the range of degrees offering maths and how in my experience it’s a great option for students with lower A level grades.
AMSP videos are here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#MathsToday #UKMathsChat #ITeachMaths
AMSP videos are here: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
#MathsToday #UKMathsChat #ITeachMaths
Reposted by Debs Gordon
So many wise insights from colleagues, but we were all particularly taken by the thoughtful, precise, powerful advice from the impressive pupils at Cambourne Village College.
A brilliant conversation throughout the day on what curriculum and assessment should do.
A brilliant conversation throughout the day on what curriculum and assessment should do.
Fantastic to be at Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire today talking curriculum and assessment, alongside fellow panel members @jonhutchinson.bsky.social and @cassiebuchanan.bsky.social
Such a great discussion - thanks to everyone that attended
Such a great discussion - thanks to everyone that attended
October 23, 2024 at 8:34 PM
So many wise insights from colleagues, but we were all particularly taken by the thoughtful, precise, powerful advice from the impressive pupils at Cambourne Village College.
A brilliant conversation throughout the day on what curriculum and assessment should do.
A brilliant conversation throughout the day on what curriculum and assessment should do.
Reposted by Debs Gordon
Fantastic to be at Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire today talking curriculum and assessment, alongside fellow panel members @jonhutchinson.bsky.social and @cassiebuchanan.bsky.social
Such a great discussion - thanks to everyone that attended
Such a great discussion - thanks to everyone that attended
October 23, 2024 at 5:16 PM
Fantastic to be at Cambourne Village College in Cambridgeshire today talking curriculum and assessment, alongside fellow panel members @jonhutchinson.bsky.social and @cassiebuchanan.bsky.social
Such a great discussion - thanks to everyone that attended
Such a great discussion - thanks to everyone that attended
Reposted by Debs Gordon
In #mathstoday (yesterday) we put out a job advert for January start. I know I’m biased but it really is a great place to work that gives you lots of freedom to develop into the teacher you want to be. Please share with those you know in the Cambridge area… www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy...
Teacher of Mathematics, Cambridgeshire - Tes Jobs
Comberton Village College, United Kingdom
www.tes.com
October 10, 2024 at 4:31 PM
In #mathstoday (yesterday) we put out a job advert for January start. I know I’m biased but it really is a great place to work that gives you lots of freedom to develop into the teacher you want to be. Please share with those you know in the Cambridge area… www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy...