The future we want: active global citizenship and maths

Building upon the progress made in our previous EU project Global issues, Global subjects, The Future We Want: Global Citizenship and Maths explores the role of mathematics in understanding and addressing global issues that matter to young people, while enhancing their involvement in the BGE and increase their participation in mathematics during the post-compulsory phase. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of analysing data, grasping fundamental concepts of probability to assess risk, and evaluating the inputs and outputs of models. In order to engage with mathematics beyond the confines of the classroom, we need to develop a range of skills, including critical and creative thinking, cooperation, managing complexity and uncertainty, and fostering empathy. These skills are crucial for Learning for Sustainability and Developing the Young Work Force.

Many young individuals are deeply concerned about social justice and equity, expressing their passion for global issues through movements like Fridays4Future, School Strike for Climate, and Black Lives Matter – and all of these movements can be understood and accelerated through a strong grasp of numbers and data. With the support of Stirling University and a team of mathematics specialists, The Future We Want: Global Citizenship and Maths delves into the potential impact this approach to mathematics can have on learners.

The project, funded by Education Scotland’s Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM grants programme, involves groups of two or more Maths teachers from the same department joining a collaborative professional learning group within a local authority. If you are a teacher, school leader or local authority interested in rolling out the project in your setting, please get in touch.