"MATHS IS TAUGHT BY ONE OF TWO TYPES OF TEACHERS:- 1. THOSE WHO ARE TOTALLY INCOMPETENT AND WHO DO A VERY GOOD JOB CREATING A PHOBIA ABOUT MATHEMATICS TO THEIR PUPILS. 2. THOSE WHO ARE SO DRENCHED IN THE THEORY OF MATHS THAT THEY CREATE THE IMPRESSION THAT MATHS IS A SUBJECT WHICH EXISTS AS AN ISOLATED ENTITY AND CAN BE UNDERSTOOD BY ONLY THE VERY FEW"

Theoretical Mathematics plays a vital role in the expansion of knowledge, and we should be taught that mathematics simply reflects in symbols, the reality of everyday life.

In my job I very seldom use mathematics as such but the trainees who go through our training department need to have a clear general appreciation of basic mathematical functions and mathematical concepts.

It is critical that trainees are able to calculate percentages, the cost of insurance to the client per unit day week or month so that refunds or penalties can be calculated. At a more sophisticated level, trainees will need to have a clear understanding of chance and probability. They will not be expected to be able to calculate the risk, for example, involved in insuring an 18 year old Golf GTI but must be able to understand the risk being taken on by the insurer. They must be able to appreciate that risk, as interpreted by the insurance industry, is the combined effect of the probability of a loss occurring and the cost to be met should the loss occur. It makes my job and the job of the trainee easier if they have confidence of the basics of mathematics.

Mathematics plays a central role in the Insurance Industry.