So people hate maths? Here’s my plan to make it work for them
by Marcus du Sautoy from on (#82GW)
A second mathematics curriculum in Britain's schools should teach the exciting big ideas behind it, like the concept of infinity. More trigonometry is not enough
The Labour party has made a commitment to ensure that every young person studies mathematics up to the age of 18. Of course, the people it will affect don't have the vote - although if it was up to Labour they would: to give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote is one of their other promises. But what about all those people who do have the vote? Would they have appreciated the chance to carry on their mathematical education, or were they only too happy to give it up as soon as they could?
Related: Labour plans for maths until 18 'best protection' against unemployment
Many of the best algorithms contain no numbers or equations at all, but are full of mathematical thinking
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