It is important for all students to feel confident with maths and numbers by the time they leave school so they are set up for success in whatever career they choose. A new education strategy will inspire more students to study maths and give them with the skills they need to thrive after leaving school.
The new strategy includes:
- new maths-based HSC course piloted from next year, for students who have not typically chosen to study maths, focusing on numeracy and practical applications for everyday life
- recruitment of 100 specialist primary school maths teachers over five years
- 320 scholarships valued at $50,000 each for STEM undergraduates and career changers to fund a Master’s degree
- work with universities to encourage students to take higher level HSC maths courses
- introduce more Maths Ambassadors to encourage students in developing a love for maths.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said that about 82 per cent of students currently take up maths-based subjects in their HSC and with this new strategy, this number may get closer to 100 per cent.
“I am a passionate believer that education is the great enabler – I, like many others, am living proof of that. I am also a passionate believer that we need to do everything we can to prepare our students for a stronger, better future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“My vision is for every child in NSW to have the necessary maths skills to succeed in life – whether that’s managing home budgets or preparing them for the high tech jobs that will be on offer in coming years.”