A former maths teacher and headteacher has been appointed to lead fresh attempts to improve Scotland’s maths curriculum.
Andy Brown will lead work to update the maths and numeracy curriculum with Education Scotland, which will start being tested with teachers later this year, working alongside the National Response to Improving Mathematics.
First curricular area to be updated
The Scottish government said today: “Maths and numeracy will be the first curricular area to be updated to ensure that Scotland’s curriculum continues to support high-quality teaching and learning.”
The announcement of Mr Brown’s appointment coincides with National Numeracy Day, which seeks to promote the importance of everyday maths skills across the UK.
Mr Brown will join education secretary Jenny Gilruth on a visit to meet pupils and teachers at Parsons Green Primary School in Edinburgh tomorrow.
Ms Gilruth said: “I am determined to drive forward further improvements in Scotland’s curriculum, and given the particular challenges identified in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) statistics, it is right that we begin with the maths curriculum.
“While the figures show Scotland is similar to the [Organisation for Economic and Cooperation and Development] average, we are not content to be average - and Andy will play a valuable role as we strive for excellence.”
Directly advising education secretary on maths
She added: “Andy brings a wealth of specialist experience to this position. As well as leading the work to update the maths and numeracy curriculum, he will advise me directly on maths improvement, including the different approaches which Scotland might consider to refresh our approach to teaching, learning and assessment.”
Ms Gilruth said: “It is important to note that evidence from the 2023 national qualification results shows ongoing recovery - and the most recent data for literacy and numeracy in primary schools shows attainment at a record high.
“That is something we are determined to build on and I look forward to working with Andy to drive further improvements in our schools.”
Mr Brown has previously held roles as a maths teacher, faculty head, depute headteacher, senior education officer and acting headteacher.
He said: “I am naturally honoured and delighted to be appointed to the role of national mathematics specialist adviser.
“I look forward to working closely with the wonderfully talented educators across Scotland to support curricular improvements in mathematics and numeracy.”
Mr Brown added: “Mathematics is a subject which is of such importance to our society. It can bring joy and wonder, and I hope I will play a part in promoting this.”
The education secretary initially set out plans to appoint a national mathematics specialist adviser last December, the same month that the latest Pisa results were published.
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