Making it all add up New mathematics centre The University of Southampton is taking a leading role in the government’s National Further Mathematics Network initiative, by hosting the Further Mathematics Centre for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region at its Highfield Campus. The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness among students, parents, schools, colleges and universities of the benefits of studying mathematics and further mathematics in the sixth form. The Centre will offer support to students who continue with mathematics after the age of 16, and to their teachers. The number of UK students taking further mathematics qualifications fell from around 15,000 in the early 1980s to 5,000 by the late 1990s. Professor Adam Wheeler, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Southampton and Professor of Industrial Applied Mathematics, says: “Maths is a profound way of understanding the world and a powerful tool for solving real problems. It can also lead to an interesting career – for example, Southampton maths graduates are now working in Formula One racing. This new centre at Southampton will play a key role in persuading young people of the fun and excitement of maths, as well as its sheer usefulness.”
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Further information can be found on the Further Mathematics Network website: www.fmnetwork.org.uk
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