Letter: How to demystify mathematics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I share Alison Wolf's concern for the quality of maths education in schools. But on one point I disagree. Ms Wolf believes that mathematics restricts choices more than arts subjects.
More than half of the students at my school took maths at A- level. Many did so in combination with arts subjects. These hybrid students are in occupations diverse enough to include acting, catering and telecommunications. Your own cookery writer, Sophie Grigson, is a maths graduate. Whose career is restricted by the study of maths?
My advice to people chosing what A-levels to take is: given that students are still restricted to three A-levels, they should not narrow their choices further. I urge more schools to allow students to mix arts and science subjects - encourage it, even. Maths can keep options open for an arts specialist, as it did for me, a linguist. If three science A-levels are too daunting, try one, and do well at it. Your CV will look more interesting than that of your straight arts or science contemporaries. And your options will be open.
Yours faithfully,
SALLY JUBB
Bath
23 August
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments