The math isn't mathing!

Something doesn't add up, Rishi.

I promise I won’t go on a big political rant.

Or I’ll try my best not to…

Our current PM has announced that studying maths is going to be compulsory in some form until our youngsters are 18.

Naturally, this is going to cause people to feel a certain way.

And from what I’ve seen online, nobody thinks it’s a good idea.

“Just what we need while our NHS is on the brink of collapse… more mathematicians!”

“Nationwide strikes, recession, failed BREXIT, the solution is clear - MATHS for young un’s!”

Now I’m not against studying maths (even though I personally hated every minute of it).

But it seems to be yet another random move that fails to address any of the public’s real issues.

As an ADHDer, maths isn’t my strong suit.

I can add, subtract, multiply, divide. I know my fractions, my decimals and, for some reason, still remember Pythagoras’ theory like it was only yesterday I learnt it.

In the modern world, where everyone has literally got a calculator in their pocket, is this really what’s needed?

I remember spending many days drifting between confused concentration and outright boredom as my teacher’s rattled off how to solve various equations.

I also remember never having to do it again since.

Do you wanna know what I wish they’d taught me?

Interest rates.

Taxation rules.

Mortgages.

Debt and credit management.

School can be a crushing experience for young people.

At a time when their minds are being moulded, they are bombarded with tonnes of information they may never need to rely upon as an adult.

All while trying to navigate friendships, young love, puberty.

And in a lot of cases; undiagnosed neurodivergence which is causing WAY more problems in their life than a lack of numerical knowledge.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way; but school failed me.

Why are we having kids in primary school sitting standardised exams? Filling 10 year olds with dread that their life is over if they don’t get high scores?

Why are we reinforcing the importance of an education which does little more than prep them to become an employee for someone who’s earning way more than they ever will?

Why aren’t we encouraging creativity? Teamwork? Social skills? LIFE SKILLS?

Most of what I learned during my schooling was only of use to me in one arena: passing exams.

And why did I need to pass exams?

To do further studying!

I almost didn’t get into college because I hadn’t got a B in chemistry - which I wasn’t even doing at college!

I’m not sure how to round off this post.

But I’m not happy.

I guess that’ll do.

Please share your thoughts on the PM’s most recent idea?