We do not teach arithmetic in Kindergarten. A knowledge of mathematics is not necessary to a four year old. Any premature instruction arrests development - Philosophy of Froebel Kindergarten

Whether or not you feel that the UK government has delivered on its promises for improving education, be assured that the IMA Education Services Area (ESA) is active in promoting mathematics education at secondary and tertiary levels.

The IMA is a member of the Joint Council of Mathematics (JMC) and we inform the deliberations of the Advisory Committee for Mathematical Education (ACME). We operate through two committees:

The Higher Education Services Area (HEdSA)

The Schools and Further Education Group (S&FE) Group

For further details of the work of these committees follow the appropriate links.

The IMA is uniquely placed to comment on this range of activities. Members of the IMA work in Schools, Colleges and Universities and also in Industry, Commerce and Government Service, and so the Institute has access to information and opinion from many sectors of national life.

Employer Representative Wanted for HEdSA
The Institute's education activities are co-ordinated by two education committees - the Schools and Further Education Group, and the Higher Education Service Area (HEdSA) - under the direction of the Honorary Secretary with responsibility for education and with the support of the Education Officer.

The Institute’s HEdSA Committee is currently looking for an employer representative to serve on the committee. Such representation will provide HEdSA with an employer’s perspective of what is required from a mathematics graduate.

Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education
Outer Circle position for practitioners
ACME is seeking to actively draw in more school and college practitioners to its Outer Circle of confidential advisers. We recognise the challenges that clearly are being faced by school and college practitioners in taking on regular membership of ACME and we are seeking to bring into play their expertise as members of a re-formed Outer Circle, where involvement is voluntary, more flexible and less time consuming.

The Outer Circle is composed of individuals chosen by the Committee to encompass a breadth of knowledge, support and influence on mathematics education policy. They are consulted individually or collectively, in confidence, on key issues.

If this is something you might be interested in, please send us an email at acme@royalsociety.org with your details and the name of someone (preferably linked to a mathematics subject association) who can vouch for your prospective contribution to ACME's work.

The conference report from the ACME's 2008 annual conference is now available http://www.acme-uk.org/downloaddoc.asp?id=90.

ACME is delighted to announce that Professor Adrian Smith FRS will be taking over ACME Chair from Sir Peter Williams FREng FRS from 1 January 2008. Professor Smith will replace Professor John McWhirter FREng FRS who has had to withdraw. http://www.acme-uk.org/news.asp?id=90

ACME's press release on mathematics and level 3 diplomas was published on Friday, 1 February 2008, http://www.acme-uk.org/news.asp?id=91.

The Real Histories Directory
The Real Histories Directory are looking for contributors who have experience of classroom teaching to write articles on how cultural diversity can be brought into the teaching of Mathematics. They hope to cover both primary and secondary school teaching, so contributors might like to cover either age group or both. The articles are normally between 1000 and 1500 words long.

UCAS
Understanding the 14-19 Diplomas
The new Diploma is an alternative to the traditional GCSE or A level route. It offers a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience.

Statements from universities and colleges about the Diploma
Some universities and colleges have provided a statement regarding their view of the Advanced Diploma.

Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills
Professor Adrian F.M. Smith has been appointed as the new Director General of Science and Research at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). Professor Smith will take up his post in September 2008. He succeeds Sir Keith O'Nions who retired at the beginning of April.

For more information, http://www.dius.gov.uk/press/sandr-dg.html.

Innovation, Universities and Skills Select Committee
The report of the Innovation, Universities and Skills Select Committee Inquiry on Funding for Equivalent or Lower Qualifications (ELQs) is available to download, http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmdius.htm.

The Royal Society
The Royal Society a 'state of the nation' report 2007. The UK's science and mathematics teaching workforce. Published December 2007.

The Royal Society published a report entitled A Higher Degree of Concern, in January 2008 . You can download a copy of the report here.

National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics
Magic in maths
EducationGuardian has published a supplement, 'Magic in maths' featuring information about the NCETM Web Portal, Professional Development, the NCETM grants scheme and Mathemapedia, together with many other resources.

Evaluation of participation in GCE Mathematics: Final report
The QCA has published Evaluation of participation in GCE Mathematics: Final report. This report builds on the Evaluation of participation in GCE mathematics: Interim report autumn, 2005 to review reaction to the new AS and A level specifications that have been in use since September 2004.

MSOR benchmark statement
The revised MSOR benchmark statement is now available on the QAA website.

Statistics and data on mathematics education
The statistics on mathematics education are now available on the LMS website.

Sainsbury Review of Science and Innovation
Lord Sainsbury of Turville has published his Review of the UK science and innovation system. The Review examines the role of science and innovation in ensuring the UK remains competitive in our increasingly globalised economy.

One of the key recommendations made within the report included a major campaign to enhance the teaching of science and technology including raising the number of qualified STEM teachers, increasing the number of young people studying triple science, improving careers advice, establishing a National Science Competition, and rationalising the many schemes to inspire our young people to take up careers in science and engineering.

Increasing the Supply of Mathematical Sciences Graduates
A study is being carried out funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England to prepare a strategy to improve the uptake of courses in mathematical sciences and in mathematics related courses in higher education. For more information, please see www.moremathsgrads.org.uk.

New Networking Opportunity for Education Members the IMA Post-16 Forum
The Post-16 Forum is envisaged as an electronic discussion group driven by members for members. The pre-requisite requirement is for an active email address. It will facilitate networking opportunities between members and active participation may contribute to a member's informal CPD record. If you would like to join this Forum please send an email request to Vanessa Thorogood, Education Officer.

How you can help the IMA respond to consultations
The Education Service Area is seeking to develop a mechanism for our committees to consult more effectively with fellow members practising outside the education sectors. The Honorary Secretary-Education and the Chairs of the Education Committees invite you to support their work by joining the appropriate e-consultative group. Further Details