New program to transform Australian school mathematics

The Australian Academy of Science is proud to partner with the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers to create a bold new Australian government-supported program to transform how mathematics is taught in Australian schools.

The Minister for Education and Training, the Hon. Simon Birmingham, today announced that the Academy and AAMT have been awarded a $6.4 million contract to develop and promote new maths resources for school students and teachers, from Foundation to Year 10.

Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes said “We know that the vast majority of jobs of the future will require mathematical literacy, so improving skills and confidence in maths is essential to position Australia for a technologically-advanced future”.

“Just as the Academy’s government-supported primary and secondary school science education programs have had success in engaging students and empowering teachers, we hope that Mathematics by Inquiry will do the same.

“The program’s curriculum resources and teaching materials will incorporate the best available mathematics teaching approaches to enhance students’ engagement by demonstrating the relevance of maths to virtually every aspect of their everyday lives.”

Of the countries tested in 2003, only five significantly outperformed Australia in mathematical literacy. By 2012 we were outperformed by 12 countries.

 “The Australian Academy of Science counts among its Fellows some of the nation’s most esteemed mathematicians: in partnership with the AAMT we believe can provide high quality, engaging teaching and learning resources which will bring maths to life for teachers and students alike,” Professor Holmes said.

The President of AAMT, Dr Mary Coupland said: “AAMT is very pleased to be part of this landmark partnership with the Academy. The strength of this project will be its direct involvement with the profession – there are many excellent teachers of mathematics whose engaging innovations in teaching will be recognised and shared through AAMT’s extensive national networks.”