The Royal Society has today published its recommendations for a radical reform of maths education from early years and throughout compulsory education, to address the growing need for data skills in the workplace and in everyday life. The CfSA is pleased to see the publication of The Royal Society Mathematical Futures programme report with CfSA members helped contribute towards the evidence in the report, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that will now hopefully follow.

The report, a culmination of the Mathematical Futures programme, sets out a radically new approach to mathematical education – called ‘mathematical and data education’. It outlines how a reformed mathematical education system will equip citizens with the capabilities, skills, adaptability, and resilience they need to thrive in a world where mathematics and data play increasingly important roles in everyone’s lives.

The new approach will involve a fusion of mathematics, statistics and data science, underpinned by digital technologies. It also extends beyond the maths classroom to address the growing need for data and statistics skills across other subjects, from physical education to history and design subjects.

The report proposes a greater focus on using and applying mathematical concepts and digital tools to solve real-world quantitative problems – from making sense of finances, to understanding statistics in the media and recognising misinformation.

Mathematical and data skills, as described in the report, will be needed now and in the future to help solve some of the biggest public policy issues of our age, from tackling the climate and biosphere crises to transformative innovation in public service efficiencies, particularly in healthcare. The report argues that these skills will underpin society’s ability to tackle persistent inequalities and will be vital for national economic renewal.

Download the full report: https://royalsociety.org/-/media/policy/projects/maths-futures/mathematical-and-data-education-policy-report.pdf

Download the executive summary: https://royalsociety.org/-/media/policy/projects/maths-futures/mathematical-and-data-education-executive-summary.pdf