To think the school system is ridiculous

Math teachers, actuaries, statisticians, engineers, financial analysts and probably dozens more.

Yes, something needs to be done in schools about the curriculum but maths is maths is maths it will always be needed.

Does nobody need to understand a concrete mix, how to get a right angle, where to put an RSJ? All require an understanding of algebra. If you've ever bought flooring and paint, you've needed algebra to understand how to get the right amount without buying too much or too little. If you've stood in a supermarket and worked out whether it's cheaper to buy large pizzas or small pizzas to feed a bunch of kids, you've used a quadratic equation. Algebra is the language of the universe - it's how you scale up a cake recipe or adjust a recipe's liquid content because you've got dried instead of fresh cherries.

The poster who you were replying to has literally given you an example of a farmer using algebra.

Even the idea of following a set of instructions - the method of performing those calculations - is a lesson in following a set of instructions, rather than cooking the pizza for 35 minutes at 170C and then realising you were supposed to take the plastic off the bottom.

We have a functional skills maths GCSE option for pupils who really struggle with traditional maths. It’s focused on everyday mathematical skills like the mental arithmetic you might need in a shop or the use of measurements.

Quantitative Analyst, they use algebra and all manner of complex math in their job. That's just one job I know of.
Just because a child may not want to go into that role, or any role that requires a fairly deep knowledge of math, doesn't mean it shouldn't be taught. The idea of education is to give pupils a wide range of skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices for their career or further studies.

Totally agree. Being able to analyse a text for meaning and be familiar enough with it to locate relevant quotes, useful skills. Memorising said quotes, pointless skill. All English exams should be open book.

Similarly, using a bilingual dictionary is a skill anyone speaking a second language needs. I've been learning French 40 years and don't know every single word. Nobody does. So language exams should allow use of a dictionary. Understanding of how a language works is more important than instant recall of random vocabulary.

Same with history, knowing how to analysing sources is useful. Memorising dates is not useful.

caitlinclock.com/2017/09/17/miss-when-will-i-ever-use-algebra/

But if education has “such a focus” on the skill of retaining information then why would universities need to reteach it? It’s clearly not working. Memorising and practicing taking in lots of info and problem solving with it would be a far better skill - maybe that’s just in my world of work.

I've seen young people say that algebra is pointless to study. Are their opinions not valid?

They dont have the experience to know what is and isn't useful in life.

I’m sure she doesn’t approve of history, geography or MFLs either. After all, she didn’t speak French or map out an oxbow lake today, so what possible use could knowing about the world around you ever be?

I’m going to bet that you use algebra every day.

One of the strengths of the British system is that the compulsory subjects are examined at 16. After that, if you fail maths GCSE you are encouraged to retake, but if you pass, Maths, like all A level subjects is an optional choice at 16-18.

Rishi Sunak wanted to do away with that and have compulsory Maths to 18. All I can say to that is good luck! We have the highest levels of school refusal in our history. One of our strengths is that 16-18 year olds have considerable control over their education. We have a huge range of academic and vocational courses to choose from. If we introduced compulsory subjects, attendance would drop off a cliff. They can’t get 11 year old school refusers into school so what hope do they have of making young people who are legally adults take a course they don’t want to take?

I’m a social scientist and I use algebra in my job for statistics and modelling. If I hadn’t learned maths I wouldn’t be in the job that I’m in, and at high school I certainly didn’t know what it would be that I would want to do for a career so I’m bloody glad that I did have to do it.

Yes, maths gets very complicated at some stage, beyond what is needed for most jobs/everyday life. I remember not really getting geometry in my last years of school even though I got good grades and loved every other subject (not in UK or Ireland).

What annoys me here the most is RE in primary school. They seem to have more RE than art, computing, music or D&T and it doesn’t make sense to me.

I studied maths to degree level and even though I'm now in a profession that on the face of it doesn't need it (law), I find the discipline of thought and application of logic that maths requires (given that is is essentially just applied logic), to be hugely useful. And even if I'm not directly using the techniques I learned on a day-to-day basis, the modern world is and has been shaped by those that do, so it's probably worth carrying on with it. I mean - 'Algebra is irrelevant to the modern world'...FFS.

My DH used maths all the time as a research scientist. Some of his research was life saving stuff. I used statistics in my job and used them in my research as a student many years ago to investigate educational outcomes and socio economic status and also for voluntary work to get funding as well as funding at work That funding enabled us to get a grant to help set up a food project.

OK OP, so you don't like the maths curriculum and algebra.

How do you feel about a subject like English literature? Where students have to write essays discussing the themes of a book. Is that useful in today's society?

If you're having a pop at STEM subjects, can we at least have a pop at arts subjects too?

To be frank OP you don't sound like you received much education yourself (mathematical or otherwise). You lack basic critical thinking skills that are a direct result of a solid well rounded education.

You using mumsnet right now will have code and algorithms in the background using algebra and maths.

If you use a banking app the security system around it will be made using maths and algebra.

If you do some DIY and need to measure out the size of something and there’s an “unknown” you’ll use maths and algebra to work it out.

If you run a business and want to maximise profits based on sales volumes and price you’ll need to use maths and algebra.

If you need to save £X over 2 years at Y% you’ll use algebra to work out how much to save each month.

If you’re baking a cake for 8 people but the recipe is for 12 you’ll use maths.

I could go on with more examples.

Still think algebra is irrelevant? Your comments so far have shown you don’t understand algebra.

Algebra is basically code, Any software engineer you meet is using algebra on a daily basis

My dh uses algebra in equations for work. He’s a design engineer.

Unfortunately my point is entirely based on what I think of yours so tricky to make it without appearing 'rude' .

You are also being very dismissive of our education system which I find annoying ! The vast majority of us here benefit from a free , excellent education system that we should be grateful for - espcially if you compare us to other countries.

You are certainly allowed your opinion but I am allowed respond to that .

Not if they think that, no. It’s on a par with saying “why do I need to learn to read and write, I can just watch YouTube videos and send voice notes”.

In a child, they probably don’t have the perspective to see how they will use it. Adults don’t have that excuse.