A national report on the quality of learning and teaching in mathematics education in Scotland has been published by HM Inspectors.

The thematic inspection report was published today as the HM Chief Inspector of Education visited Rockfield Primary School in Oban; one of the schools visited as part of the national thematic inspection.

HM Chief Inspector of Education Janie McManus said: “There is much to be celebrated in the delivery of maths education in Scotland. During our visits we found nurturing, positive relationships that are creating supportive environments where children feel confident to engage with mathematics.

“We know that digital technology can play an important role in supporting children and young people’s independent learning and confidence in mathematics. We saw positive examples of this in settings and schools where digital is being used in creative ways to enhance children and young people’s learning.

“However, many children and young people reported that their learning in mathematics was repetitive and disconnected from real-life. There is a need for children and young people to experience examples of how they would apply maths in their everyday lives to maintain their enthusiasm for mathematics.”

The publication of the report follows visits by HM Inspectors to 52 settings and schools in the early learning and childcare (ELC), primary, secondary, Gaelic, and special sectors across Scotland.

HM Chief Inspector, Janie McManus added: “Our report outlines a number of recommendations and includes a focus on greater collaboration among schools, local authorities, and national bodies.

“This would provide an opportunity to share effective practices in learning, teaching, and assessment in mathematics, and to recruit and retain qualified mathematics teachers.

“I also believe that collaborative working would provide the opportunity to create professional learning opportunities for teachers at different stages of their career. This would make an impact on ensuring a consistent delivery of high quality maths education in Scotland.”