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Secondary schools need to raise standards in mathematics

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Mathematics is the lowest performing core subject at key stage 4 in Wales and is proportionately the lowest when compared with the rest of the UK, according to an Estyn report published today.

Good practice in mathematics at key stage 4 highlights the challenges faced in raising standards in mathematics across Wales and includes case studies of best practice in secondary schools.

Ann Keane, Chief Inspector says,

“Many Welsh employers are concerned at the lack of mathematical skills demonstrated by employees. Research shows that about 44% of employers have had to invest in numeracy skills training for school and college leavers (Building for Growth: business priorities for education and skills, Education and skills survey 2011). The PISA results in 2009 also confirmed that attainment in Wales was significantly behind the rest of the UK in mathematics.

 

“Although standards in mathematics are disappointing, it is encouraging to see pockets of good practice in our secondary schools. With good teaching and planning in place, schools can help pupils to achieve their full potential.

 

“I encourage all teachers and headteachers to read our report and case studies, as part of their drive to raise standards and improve mathematics teaching.”

One of the case studies in the report highlights the good practice in Bishop Gore Comprehensive School, Swansea, where 20% of pupils gained A * or A grades in GCSE mathematics in 2012. Pupils are set aspirational target grades across all subjects and their progress is reviewed three times a year by senior leaders and parent/guardians. As a result, underachievement can be identified and tackled early. The school is 15 percentage points ahead of other schools in its family for attainment at grade C and above in mathematics.

The report also highlights the particular challenges in raising standards in mathematics in schools across Wales. Inspectors conclude that there is a lack of support for the professional development of mathematics teachers, whether it is from other schools, local authorities or regional consortia. The report recommends that more support, advice and professional development opportunities are provided for schools.

Estyn’s report has a series of further recommendations for schools, to do with the quality of teaching and learning, the use of assessment to monitor pupils’ progress and best practice.

Notes to Editors:

About the report
 

  • Estyn’s report Good practice in mathematics at key stage 4 was commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government and is available in full here.
  • The findings and recommendations in the report draw on visits to 18 secondary schools. The schools selected for the survey had strong results in mathematics. The sample takes account of geographical location, socio-economic background, size of school and linguistic contexts. In these visits, Inspectors:
    • observed lessons at key stage 4;
    • reviewed books and departmental documentation;
    • met representative groups of pupils; and
    • held discussions with middle and senior leaders.
    • Additional evidence was drawn from:
    • GCSE results at the end of key stage 4, key stage 3 National Curriculum teacher assessments; and
    • a review of the National Curriculum for mathematics at key stage 3.

 

Case studies:
 

  • Porthcawl Comprehensive School, Bridgend
  • Llanishen High School, Cardiff
  • Radyr High School, Cardiff
  • Ysgol Bryngwyn School, Carmarthenshire
  • Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin, Carmarthenshire
  • Ysgol Eirias, Conwy
  • Duffryn High School, Newport
  • Treorchy Comprehensive School, RCT
  • Bishop Gore Comprehensive School, Swansea
  • Cefn Hengoed Community School, Swansea

About Estyn

Estyn is the Education and Training Inspectorate for Wales. Our aim is to achieve excellence for all in learning in Wales. We do this by providing an independent, high-quality inspection and advice service.

Our vision is to be recognised through the expertise of our staff as an authoritative voice on learning in Wales.

We are independent from, but funded by the Welsh Assembly Government (under Section 104 of the Government of Wales Act 1998).

For further information please visit our website www.estyn.gov.uk