The Importance of Mathematics
Mathematical thinking is important for all members of a modern society as a habit of mind for its use in the workplace, business and finance; and for personal decision-making. Mathematics is fundamental to national prosperity in providing tools for understanding science, engineering, technology and economics. It is essential in public decision-making and for participation in the knowledge economy.
Mathematics equips pupils with uniquely powerful ways to describe, analyse and change the world. It can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder for all pupils when they solve a problem for the first time, discover a more elegant solution, or notice hidden connections. Pupils who are functional in mathematics and financially capable are able to think independently in applied and abstract ways, and can reason, solve problems and assess risk.
Mathematics is a creative discipline. The language of mathematics is international. The subject transcends cultural boundaries and its importance is universally recognised. Mathematics has developed over time as a means of solving problems and also for its own sake.
Key Concepts
There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of mathematics. Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding.
- Competence
- Applying suitable mathematics accurately within the classroom and beyond.
- Communicating mathematics effectively.
- Selecting appropriate mathematical tools and methods, including ICT.
- Creativity
- Combining understanding, experiences, imagination and reasoning to construct new knowledge.
- Using existing mathematical knowledge to create solutions to unfamiliar problems.
- Posing questions and developing convincing arguments.
- Applications and implications of mathematics
- Knowing that mathematics is a rigorous, coherent discipline.
- Understanding that mathematics is used as a tool in a wide range of contexts.
- Recognising the rich historical and cultural roots of mathematics.
- Engaging in mathematics as an interesting and worthwhile activity.
- Critical understanding
- Knowing that mathematics is essentially abstract and can be used to
- model, interpret or represent situations.
- Recognising the limitations and scope of a model or representation.
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