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“Anti-Maths Mindset Needs To Change”: Rishi Sunak During His Maths Speech

April 17, 2023
Sezarr

Rishi Sunak resolved to make bad numbers culturally unacceptable.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave a speech today on Britain’s ‘anti-maths mindset’. During his speech, he pledged to make bad numbers culturally unacceptable.

Shri Sunak in his address said that making fun of being bad at maths should not be socially acceptable. She shared that maths is one of the most popular subjects at A level but there are people who are not learning enough. He has an attitude problem.

Sharing an anecdote, Mr. Sunak shared that he told his daughters that he wanted to make the case for more math. He shared that his daughters were not keen.

He insisted, “We joke about not being able to do math. It’s socially acceptable. We say things like, ‘Hey math, I can’t do that, it’s not for me’ and everyone Laughs. But we would never do that. This kind of joke about not being able to read. That’s why we have to change this anti-math mindset.”

Later in the speech, Mr Sunak insisted that not every student should study maths to A level level. He said he is setting up an advisory committee to suggest how students should learn more maths.

“A new advisory group, comprising mathematicians, education leaders and business representatives, will be set up to advise the government on the core maths content students will need to succeed in the future. Taking evidence from countries that countries that have high rates of numeracy and from employers around the world, the group will also advise on whether new maths qualifications are necessary for 16-18 year olds,” Mr Sunak said.

Answering the questions, he said that the government wants to give confidence to teachers to teach mathematics in primary schools. “If we get this right, we’ll have done something really special for our young people. It will set them up for success.”

He also acknowledged that the country needed more math teachers to carry out his plan.