England may find answer to its math-problem in Scotland

England, a country where one in four adults cannot do basic math, may find answer to the problem in Scotland.


Countries like Scotland and Hong Kong however, out-perform England in their mathematics skills. The study carried out by the Royal Society of Arts suggests England should look towards the leading education systems to make its maths teaching more effective.

"With nearly half of our students failing to achieve GCSE mathematics grade C or above, long term reform should be an urgent priority for ministers," says Emma Norris, the author of the report.

"The current system puts many students off maths for life. We need to find a new way to re-engage students." 

Additionally, the teaching of maths due to its limited content in courses such as medicine also affects the students' numeracy skills.

In England, only 15% of students study maths after GCSEs with Scotland doing better with a quarter of post-GCSE students continuing the study. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong everyone studies maths until they leave school.

Source: BBC News