This morning I was shocked to read on the BBC website that 8.5 million adults (aged 16 - 65) in England & Northern Ireland have numeracy levels of a 10 year old! Out of 24 countries we are 21st for numeracy and 22nd for literacy. At least we weren't the lowest ranking, the United States were the worst. Just goes to show that the exams are getting easier because every time the results are out they publicise that grades are getting better and better, well they would if you only expect the students to answer questions a 10 year old could.
It's got me thinking, how will those who fall into this category cope in the future? Maths is such a core part of our world it's hard to imagine getting through a day without some sort of calculation. It's not just for the scientists and bankers amongst us, we all need to have a good understanding of the subject. We need to be able to work out how things cost to then know if we have enough money, we need to be able to work out time, when we have children we need to ensure they are fed the right amounts. Other than basic understanding to get us through life unless you want to blindly trust what the what people tell you, surely it's good to be able to look at the information and decide for yourself is what I'm being told right?
8.5 million people is a quarter of England’s population of 16 - 65 year olds, without maths, if you were reading a report, how would you work out what the total population within that range?
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