Emmanuel Macron had suggested it in Poissy (78), on March 7, during the launch of his campaign. “I want to put fundamental knowledge, in particular mathematics, back into the common core”, explained the candidate president. Jean-Michel Blanquer, his Minister of National Education, must confirm this great return very soon. Indeed, this Thursday, March 17, the committee of experts, appointed by him a month ago, recommends reintroducing this subject in the common core in the First class. It was no longer compulsory since the baccalaureate reform of 2019. As a result, more than a third of high school students abandon it, which has led to a significant drop in the hours provided and the revolt of teachers. “And from the second class, some let go of the reins knowing that they will not continue”, recognizes Pierre Mathiot, the director of Sciences Po Lille, who piloted this committee.
Three to four hours per week for non-scientists
At the start of the next school year, all Première students will follow between 1h30 and 2 hours of maths per week. “Furthermore, in the two weekly hours of scientific teaching of the common core, a third will be devoted to mathematics”, indicates Charles Torossian, Inspector General of Education, who participated in the work of the committee of experts. He is the author of a report on this subject in 2018 with Cédric Villani. The new compulsory block will be renamed Mathematics and Science Education. Pupils who so wish can continue in Terminale with additional maths. The idea of an anticipated mathematics test is also submitted to the Minister.
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These modifications concern in particular high school girls who abandon this subject at the end of the second, for fear of seeing their average drop or out of disinterest in this teaching. And they are many. This is one of the most visible shortcomings of the high school reform – the accentuation of gender stereotypes – while the President of the Republic has made gender equality a priority. This disenchantment is all the more worrying as it goes hand in hand with a collapse in the level of French students in mathematics, as shown by the international Pisa and Timss surveys for years.
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Rethinking math education to attract students
Following the Torossian-Villani report, measures are implemented. Teacher training is reinforced. Children’s learning reimagined. It’s urgent. Because the mastery of science is linked to the economic sovereignty defended by Emmanuel Macron. However, when given the choice, high school students turn away. “We do not decree interest in maths, however, recalls Pierre Mathiot, who had carried the reform of the baccalaureate. Young people must get something out of it.” This requires a profound renewal of the teaching of this subject.
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