Practical maths lessons will teach post-school teenagers ‘real-life’ skills

Teenagers will be given lessons on how to calculate interest, tax contributions and work out exchange rate to prepare them for life after school.

The core maths qualifications, has backed by some of the country’s top businesses, to address the ‘maths gap’ in which pupils are leaving school without the basic numeracy skills needed in the workplace.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “Maths skills aren’t just used in the classroom – they are vital in everyday life, whether you are running your own business or trying to pick the best mortgage. That is why this one nation government is giving our young people the opportunity to develop the practical maths skills which will help them succeed.”

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The practical courses are aimed at students who achieve a C or above in their GCSE, but would not normally study maths at A level or AS levelIt will help pupils apply what they learn in the classroom to the world of work, increase their confidence in managing their personal finances and solve problems within the workplace.

The new qualification are being rolled out in schools this week alongside the revised and more rigorous GCSEs maths and English GCSE courses aimed at making pupils better prepared for university.

Gibb added: As part of this government’s commitment to social justice I want every child, regardless of background to have access to an excellent education. Maths and English aren’t optional – they are the building blocks of future study and employment. These new gold standard GCSEs will ensure young people completing them master the skills needed to compete with the best in the world.”

In maths, students will have to demonstrate deeper and broader understanding of the subject and master calculation, ratio and proportion.

Meanwhile, in English language, 20 per cent of the marks will be awarded for accurate spelling and punctuation.The new English Literature GSCE will include a range of high quality, intellectually challenging, and substantial texts including at least one Shakespeare play. 

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Managing Director, City & Guilds, the global leader in skills development said: “This practical, workplace-relevant qualification provides a high standard of maths in a real world context, helping to drive up standards in the UK and ensuring employers have the skilled and talented workforce they need to thrive.

“Maths is an absolutely vital life skill that young people should be encouraged to continue beyond the age of 16 as it improves their life chances by and gives them the competitive edge in the global jobs market. It’s great to see employers backing this qualification as it demonstrates that the UK education system is really beginning to respond to the needs of business.”

 

Mary.Isokariari

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