Transforming Scotland into a maths positive nation: final report of the Making Maths Count group

GROUP'S REMIT

Aim - Encourage greater enthusiasm for mathematics amongst children and young people; their parents and carers and the wider public.

Key issues

• The Group should seek to better understand negative public perceptions in relation to mathematics and how these can be addressed. There should be a particular focus on creating a more positive environment for mathematics teaching and learning in schools, helping parents and carers to support their children in developing greater skills and confidence in mathematics and increasing skills levels for employment.
• The Group should recommend practical, cost-effective approaches to encouraging greater enthusiasm for mathematics amongst young people and their parents and carers.
• The Group should consider how best to address the areas for development for learners identified through the Scottish Survey of Literacy and Numeracy and other sources.

MEMBERSHIP

Maureen McKenna - Chair - Executive Director of Education, Glasgow City Council

Professor Tara Brendle - Glasgow University, School of Mathematics

Billy Burke - Headteacher - Renfrew High School

Dr Sandra Cairncross - Edinburgh Napier University

Joe McLachlan - National Parent Forum for Scotland

Peter McNaughton - Head of Education and Children's Services, Fife Council

Sean Phayre - Aberdeen Asset Management

Dr Heather Reid - Glasgow Science Centre

Caroline Stuart - Independent Director

NATIONAL MATHEMATICS DEVELOPMENT GROUP

As part of Making Maths Count, the National Mathematics Development Group, with a membership including maths teachers, principal teachers and faculty heads, was tasked with providing greater support for National Qualifications in Mathematics at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels. The materials are available on the National Qualifications site on Glow - the digital environment for Scottish schools and educational establishments. Education Scotland's National Numeracy and Mathematics Hub is also promoting and supporting use of the resources.