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Maths and Science: Is the standard high enough?

2 Feb 2017

http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/new-hsc-mathematics-syllabus-splits-education-leaders-20170109-gto69c.html

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/australia-day-address-orator-michelle-simmons-horrified-at-feminised-physics-curriculum-20170124-gtxoi2.html

Syllabi in Mathematics and Science for HSC students have been criticised – the latest of which came from Michelle Simmons, a professor of quantum physics at the University of NSW in her Australia Day address. Professor Simmons argued that a study of physics has lost its mathematical rigor in an attempt to appeal more to girls. This in turn has devalued its study and is not what our country needs. At the same time the new Mathematics syllabus has been widely criticised for its hasty construction and ‘mistakes’. In a world where English and History syllabi usually create the most controversy, concern with Maths and Science certainly heralds a different era in the educational dialogue. May people continue to speak up if we are not providing our children with the best education possible and an education that enriches our future nation. Professor Simmons message is one we want to give all of our young people – the need for Australians to attempt the difficult things in life. “It is better to do the things that have the greatest reward; things that are hard, not easy,” she said.

The Physics syllabus: What do our physics teachers Mr Swinfield and Mr Halpin think? According to Mr Swinfield, the syllabus that has been in place for the last 17 years in NSW moved away from its Maths base.

“In 2000 the physics syllabus underwent radical change. This change broadened its view of physics to include social and environmental issues related to Physics – a wider view of the impacts of Physics on society. It also made the course more interesting and accessible for school students. Maths is central to Physics and any university course will rely heavily upon the use of mathematics to describe and communicate ideas. My understanding is that the writers of the syllabus at the time decided that that scientists should be capable of communicating using language as well. This meant that maths in the HSC physics course took a backward step. Some people interpreted this as “feminisation” of the syllabus. I don’t believe this was the intent but I do believe the emphasis on language at the expense of maths may have been taken too far.”

We are looking forward to the release of the new Maths and Science HSC curriculum this year.