The Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME), an independent committee which advises the government, has produced a statement detailing its concerns that the mathematical requirements of the new diplomas risk reducing mathematical competence at all levels.
Its concern relates to all diplomas, but they have been heightened since the recent announcement of diplomas in science, humanities and languages. This suggested that it may be that all other types of qualification, including GCSEs and A levels, cease to be provided by schools. Concerns are raised that since mathematics undergraduates may come through any diploma, they will not study sufficient mathematics to be a future mathematics specialist. Also, there appears to be no incentive for level 3 (equivalent to A level) students to study any mathematics during the course. The full press release accompanying the statement is at www.acme-uk.org/news.asp?id=91
