Crash in Maths degree applications following new Maths GCSE and A-level

[noblegiraffe]

Current Y13 are the first cohort to have sat the reformed maths GCSE and reformed maths A-level.

And there has been an unexpected dip in the number of applications for maths degrees. Some of this can be explained by a dip in cohort numbers, but not all.

I personally hate the new maths A-level. The papers are a really long slog and where students previously got 50% of their marks answering easier AS questions, now the majority of the questions are pretty hard.

I’ve seen suggestions on twitter that the new A-level won’t last long. Hopefully not, and hopefully these figures will hasten that.

twitter.com/slsingh/status/1116978758966239232?s=21

Wonder wether this will have any effect on other Mathsy courses like Computer science. DS has been grappling with Maths all yr. He had some tutoring yesterday and the tutor at the end commented that he’ll be alright and that FM is always hard. When I corrected him that it’s not FM buts Maths, his eyes were like saucers. He is a recent Maths graduate.

DD was previously adamant about doing A level maths but now in Y9 and doing foundation papers for end of year exams - whilst doing well is just not loving it. She is capable but finds it irrelevant and a slog - it is hard for a just turned 14 year old to see why they are doing such complex stuff. She is starting work soon on the higher level stuff and at this stage determined maths is not for her.

I suspect the subject is now being more honest about what is involved. Whether that incorrectly puts off some or sets the right balance after some took the A level with misconceptions- I can’t say.

DS3 (Y10) has aspirations of studying Computer Science at university. The limiting factor in achieving this is likely to be Maths.

In the old exams, he would probably have got an A or even A* at GCSE and then (with hard work) been able to make a decent attempt at Maths A-level. With the new exams, the trajectory feels less certain.

Luckily he has a great Maths teacher this year who has increased his confidence, which has motivated him to put the work in.

Further maths is great for the best mathematicians, but many schools and colleges don't offer it.

And as for the AS almost disappearing, it is schools and colleges that are choosing not to offer it. It's still there and I'm glad my daughter's school still do (or at least did). Last year my daughter changed her mind about her 3rd A level on the basis of her AS results.

Schools can't afford to offer AS level as it counts for nothing. Most places I know aren't doing it because they can't afford to.

We need more maths graduates not fewer, so this is a shame if if the new exams are having this effect.

My DD (y12) is studying A Level maths but it is her least fave subject at the moment. However, I think this is due to the fact that her other teachers are more engaging.

My autistic DS got 8 in maths at GCSE. He has just had to drop maths A level in year 12 after a breakdown. He could do all the work but couldn't keep up with the pace and volume. It's very sad.
Gove's ill judged reform has destroyed my child's mental health, and he is by no means the only one in that position.