What Happened To Numeracy?

[ToraToraTora]

https://news.sky.com/story/all-pupils-in-england-to-study-maths-until-18-under-rishi-sunaks-new-mission-12779266
Not sure what the PM means by, pupils will study Maths until 18, I assume he means the ones that are still in education. Anyway I find it shocking that:
"Around eight million adults in England have the numeracy skills of primary school children, " - so what happened? Why are we so innumerate as a nation? I'm not talking about Calculus here just basic 'rithmetic.

[Atheist]

Not much call for it now there's widespread use of credit cards and calculators.

[Zacs-Master]

What pupils aren't in education?

[bednobs]

humans in general are probably becoming more stupid. But how would we know?

[Atheist]

We've still got snooker and darts, so maybe some hope for a few youngsters.

[wolf63]

Is maths and arithmetic taught as a single subject?

[ToraToraTora]

Arithmetic is a branch of maths wolf.

[mushroom25]

// What pupils aren't in education? //

those who choose the apprenticeship route? or is the PM suggesting compulsory schooling until 18?

https://www.gov.uk/know-when-you-can-leave-school#:~:text=You%20can%20leave%20school%20on,start%20an%20apprenticeship%20or%20traineeship

[ToraToraTora]

Most people don't really do maths anyway, it's basic Arithmetic, Geometry and a touch of Trig. Mathematics is the overall subject.

[bednobs]

those in apprenticships, neets

[sunny-dave]

"I studied Maths until I was sixteen - what's the point in raising the age to 18?

I just can't see what those extra three years will do to help me."

[wolf63]

I know it is a branch of maths, but when I was at school Arithmetic was treated as a separate subject from maths.

Thay was 40 years ago and not in England.

[THECORBYLOON]

Its been proposed before by the Tories.

"The intention to ensure pupils study maths until 18 has previously been advocated by former education secretary Michael Gove in 2011, the Lords Science and Technology Select Committee in 2012 and then education minister Liz Truss in 2014.

It also featured in Labour's 2015 manifesto and was mentioned by then chancellor George Osborne in his 2016 budget."

[ToraToraTora]

I see wolf, one of the 3 'R' s

[wolf63]

reading, righting and rithmetic - yes.

[gness]

Well you wouldn't have to keep taking off your socks to count to 20, Dave.

[Zacs-Master]

Surely you're not a pupil if you're on an apprenticeship.......your an apprentice

[vulcan42]

Certainly something needs to be done. Buying £25 worth of petrol, I handed the young assistant 2 £20 notes. Pressing a few keys on the till she said" according to this I owe you £150 change". she then made it worse by saying "Is that right"?

[THECORBYLOON]

If they've left school, they're no longer a pupil.

[Redhelen72]

I think they should be taught maths that is used in everyday life - how to balance a bank account, manage their utility bills, how to cope when giving change - you know the situation - someone has a bill for £7.10 and hands you £10.10 - I am shocked how many look at me confused.

[THECORBYLOON]

I've offered to give extra to allow only pound coins as change and been asked, "Why?"