§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what she is doing to improve the teaching of mathematics in primary schools.
§ Mr. ForthThe Government are committed to higher standards and higher quality teaching in mathematics. The most important force for improvement is the national curriculum, which has established demanding expectations for both teachers and pupils. Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools has confirmed that the national curriculum is rapidly helping to improve the standard of mathematics teaching in primary schools. The revised' national curriculum for mathematics has increased emphasis on arithmetic skills, particularly in the primary years. For the first time, pupils' progress in relation to the national standards is being rigorously monitored through national assessments and tests. The schools inspectorate confirms that these assessments and tests are contributing to higher standards.
The Government have also been instrumental in establishing a number of 20-day training courses designed to improve primary school teachers' mathematical knowledge. The cost of sending teachers on these courses is supported by the Government with specific grant.