The Australian Academy of Science is concerned by the removal of advanced mathematics prerequisites for particular courses by the University of Sydney.
Mathematics is a foundational skill across the sciences. Removing the prerequisite to have studied advanced mathematics for certain degrees will leave students underprepared and ill-equipped to complete their courses.
The Academy acknowledges that there are systemic equity issues raised by the University of Sydney, with some Australian students not able to access advanced mathematics education at school. But we need both excellence and equity and students have the right to expect both.
Removing the advanced mathematics prerequisite does nothing to address the decline in mathematics enrolments at schools and sends the wrong signal to students. It is up to the Australian and state and territory governments to fix the systemic problems impacting mathematics education at schools.
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