More girls studying A levels will get the opportunity to study advanced maths and progress into AI-related careers, according to a new government scheme, with a think tank set up to ensure teaching frameworks are in place to support AI skills specifically.
Currently only a third of A level maths pupils are girls, while currently only 22% of professionals working in AI related roles like software engineer or data science are women.
However, through the government’s Plan for Change around 7,500 girls will be eligible for support as part of £8.2m of funding to improve participation and teaching of advanced maths.
The funding, part of the refreshed Advanced Maths Support Programme, will target support to thousands of pupils from 400 disadvantaged secondary schools – breaking the link, the government says, between background and success so all young people have the chance to progress in careers of the future.
The updated Advanced Maths Support Programme includes pilot teacher training and student enrichment courses on the key maths concepts and skills needed for AI and this will benefit 450 students and 360 teachers from September.
The government says it marks a crucial step in delivering a key commitment of its AI Action Plan – creating a strong talent pipeline and driving greater diversity across the AI talent pool.
The Education Secretary has also convened a group of experts to advise on what changes are needed to the 5-18 education system to improve digital education and give young people the AI-specific skills they need to thrive in a digital world.
The Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group chaired by Sir Kevan Collins, non-executive board member at the Department for Education, will provide recommendations to the department and insights for the Curriculum and Assessment Review so they can draw on this expertise.
Members include Rose Luckin, Professor of Learner-Centred Design at University College London and Dr Sue Sentance, Director of the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre at the University of Cambridge and Chair of the BCS Schools and Colleges Committee.
