Maths doesn’t need a rebrand. We should celebrate its diversity and complexity | Letter

Prof Ulrike Tillmann on Andy Haldane's suggestion that maths could be rebranded as numeracy to make it more approachable

I read with interest your article in response to Andy Haldane's comments suggesting maths could be rebranded as numeracy (Pass notes, 18 May). I welcome Mr Haldane's support for the mathematical sciences and appreciate his intent to make the subject approachable to all. Nevertheless, his proposal to alter the language around maths I find less appealing. Just as literacy is a necessary requisite to enjoy the richness and benefits of literature, so numeracy is just the key to unlocking the many wonders that mathematics provides.

We should celebrate the diversity and complexity of maths and not shy away from making the case for why that makes the subject interesting, challenging and relevant.