Makhan Singh B.Eng; M.A (Couns.) Project Manager m.singh.1@bham.ac.uk

1. Makhan Singh B.Eng; M.A (Couns.) Project Manager m.singh.1@bham.ac.uk www.moremathsgrads.org.uk HoDoMS

2. Setting the scene

3. What’s it all about? MMG is a 3 year pilot project funded by HEFCE under the widening Participation remit. Mission: To widen participation and increase the numbers of graduates from mathematical sciences so that the demands of industry, commerce and education might be better met. MMG is being project managed centrally from Birmingham University

4. But why..? Research shows... • Increase in A-level entries overall (660,000 in 1989 to 760,000 in 2004). • Decrease in A-level maths (85,000 in 1989 down to approx 53,000 in 2004). • Young peoples perception of maths is that it’s ‘boring’, ‘hard’, ‘no relevance for future life’ • 25% of Maths classes taught by non-mathematicians (NFER 2006)

5. And also… • Gender and age imbalance with Higher Education • Under-representation amongst certain ethnic groups • Poor information about career options puts young people off (QCA 2006)

6. Widening Participation:Target Groups • Black African • Black Caribbean • Pakistani • Bangladeshi • Women • Adult Learners

7. Pilot Areas • 3 sub-regions are working with approx. 7 schools/colleges and 1 sub-region to research: • West Midlands – Coventry University • Yorkshire & Humberside – Leeds University • London – Queen Mary, University of London • Sheffield-Hallam University – focusing on HE Curriculum Development which gives a variety of delivery options and attract widen participation

8. Four Theme Approach • To help overcome the various barriers and perceptions as well as raise aspirations, MMG is implementing a four-theme approach. • 1. Learner Theme – Pupils • 2. Teaching Theme – Teachers • 3. Careers Theme – Pupils and Teachers • 4. HE Curriculum Theme – HEI’s

9. Getting to a wider audience www.moremathsgrads.org.uk

10. What Happens Next? • All 3 pilot areas now have: • 1 x Subject Officer • 1 x Careers Officer • 0.5 x Admin Officer

11. Project Highlights to dateof Coventry & Warwickshire • Improving A Level Standards Workshop for 50 local teachers • Maths Fun Day at Coventry University for 150 Year 9 pupils from local schools • Stall at Coventry Transport Museum Connexions Careers Fair • ‘Maths Murder Mystery’ Event • ‘Maths & Football Stadiums’ Seminar

12. Project Highlights to dateof East London (Queen Mary University of London) • Over 30 subject specific, curriculum related and careers awareness raising events have been held at various schools and colleges in the region. • Good, positive feedback from event evaluations with over 500 respondents including students and staff.

13. Project Highlights to dateof Yorkshire and the Humber • School enrichment work shops • Mechanics experiments • Maths at work days • Higher Education experience days • 18 maths undergraduates recruited to work with pupils at mmg events

14. Project future outputs will include... • Producing a Tool Kit of resources for Maths teachers across the country • Maths careers DVD with resources aligned to the national curriculum • More Maths Grads will aim to devise a programme of study, piloted and aligned in the 3 regions together, for a national maths competition with curriculum, employer and parental inputs • National event to be held in 2009 with all partners and schools

17. Project Highlights to dateof Sheffield Hallam University • The HE curriculum theme is currently in a research phase, with interviews/discussions being held with students and academics • Amongst other things also aiming to understand what enthuses students on Mathematics courses (and what does not)

19. Let me show you how maths is used by chocolate makers…. ..Wow, maths is amazing! Winning Hearts and Minds of Parents, Teachers, Employers, Partners and of course…Young People.