Mathematics in English Schools

Abstract

THE powerful and vigorous article on “Mathematics in “English Schools “contributed to Science Progress for October by Mr. Charles Godfrey, headmaster of the Royal Naval College, Osborne, opens up a subject deserving the most attentive study on the part of everyone who is interested in the future progress of our race. As the author points out, modern civilisation stands on a foundation of applied mathematics; without mathematics the earth could not support its present population. But in England we have a ruling class whose interests are sporting, athletic, and literary; consequently not only is mathematics not a bread-and-butter subject except for those who are satisfied with this simple diet, but the work of the mathematician is ignored and even treated with contempt. And this in spite of the fact stated by Mr. Godfrey, that mathematics occupies a larger share of time in our school curricula than in those of other countries. The remedy proposed by Mr. Godfrey is that our teaching in schools should be based on the “outlook “value of mathematics, and should train our boys to appreciate the tremendous potentialities of the subject of which they are mastering the elements. At present our teaching involves a large amount of disciplinary drill in subjects like algebra, which affords no outlook beyond that afforded by the examination value of the subject.