What is the Point of Maths?
Local Network volunteer, Derek Newport, has recently written a book about mathematics entitled “ Savour the Fruits of Mathematics…not just HOW mathematics works, but WHY is it important, especially in Engineering ?” Derek has visited schools regularly over the past 15 years, nine years under the Young Enterprise Initiative, followed by 6 years as a STEM ambassador, and during this time has sought the feelings of students on mathematics. Answers generally fell into one of two ‘boxes’, “I don’t like maths” and “I don’t see the point of maths”! Concerned about these responses, Derek decided to write the book, with two aims: Gaining students’ enthusiasm for mathematics; To gain teachers’ awareness of the different educational paths applicable to students opting for a career as a craft technician…