Prime numbers - and primed for curriculum review

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Prime numbers - and primed for curriculum review

I spent the first part of Wednesday afternoon with four very able sixth formers who are planning to study Mathematics at university. One of them gave a presentation on prime numbers leading to a discussion about applications of Number Theory such as internet security.

Then a second student gave a short talk about infinity. After this we took a trip into the arcane world of the foundations of Mathematics, Russell’s paradox and Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems.

I later attended a lecture by the world-renowned academic Howard Gardner. Professor Gardner hails from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, but here he was presenting his ideas on the cognitive abilities he believes are essential for future success in the twenty-first century.

The essential section of the lecture was a discourse on the key elements of education needed to equip young people of today to thrive in a world of globalisation, biotechnology and increasing reliance on digital technologies.

Much food for thought. Professor Gardiner’s presentation has raised awareness of the need to ensure that the school curriculum provides students not just with the essential academic discipline and qualifications, but also with the minds required to become leaders and good citizens of the world.

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More about Howard Gardner

By Peter Tarbet, Director of Studies at Tuesday, 13 October 2009

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