Teacher talk
Joe Haywood is head of the maths department at Oxted School, one of the largest comprehensive schools in Surrey
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Joe Haywood is head of the maths department at Oxted School, one of the largest comprehensive schools in Surrey
What do you think about the Government's plans to pay maths teachers more money?
I feel that the issue is not simply about money. The real problem is the shortage of people who decide to take mathematics at school and university.
Will recruitment to other subjects be affected?
I don't think so. I suspect that the only effect of these plans on other teachers will be a slight resentment.
Why do you think there is a shortage of maths teachers?
I think part of the problem is with the curriculum. Unfortunately, the academic system is very curriculum-based. First, the GCSE system does not prepare the most capable mathematicians for the A-level course. Second, students taking mathematics are beginning to realise that it is a tricky subject to take on at A-level. Therefore, many choose to do subjects that they imagine are easier, to get better results. The curriculum is extensive and has to be covered in a relatively short time. The Government will have to be brave, and will have to reconsider the AS/A2 system.
How can pupils be turned on to maths?
Possibly we need two different GCSE qualifications. One should be a more general purpose, numeracy-based qualification that gives mathematics a more utilitarian aspect. The other needs to be more difficult, specifically targeted at the upper third of the general ability range. It should get those people to see maths as the interesting academic subject that it is. Also, mathematics should not be compulsory beyond Key Stage 3. The tendency is to think about how useful maths is, but the potentially talented mathematicians should take a more logical approach. At Oxted, mathematics is a popular A-level option. We tailor our lessons carefully to suit our classes. We have, for example, two sets each year who sit GCSE mathematics a year early. In Year 11, they go on to study additional mathematics.
If you would like to be featured in Teacher Talk, please send an e-mail to education@independent.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments