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lhsi writes:

A report ("Vision for science and mathematics education" PDF) by the Royal Society aims to raise the general level of mathematical and scientific knowledge and provide confidence in the population and the skills employers need.

The Royal Society's ambition for the next 20 years of science and mathematics education is that it should enable people to make informed choices, empower them to shape scientific and technological developments, and equip them to work in an advanced economy.

One suggestion to achieve this is to introduce a stable curriculum that will teach mathematics and science to the age of 18; stable in that it is overseen by independent body so it does not become a "political football".

We can only have a democratic society if people are capable of balancing the benefits and risks of new science and are able to reason mathematically.

The roots of scientific and mathematical literacy lie in an excellent science and mathematics education gained early in life. This is why our report addresses specific issues relating to the ongoing and persistent shortages of specialist science and mathematics teachers and the poor progression rates of students to post-16 science and maths across much of the UK.

We need a new approach to science and mathematics education, with all young people studying science and mathematics to the age of 18, alongside the arts and humanities, as part of a new baccalaureate-style framework that provides a broad education.

Of course we are not suggesting all young people study A-levels in chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics. It is important to create new and rigorous post-16 courses and qualifications to engage students who are not specialising in the sciences.