Schools may ban calculators

Friday 02 December 2011 01:00 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Primary school pupils could be banned from using calculators until they have learned basic sums, ministers said, amid concerns that an over-reliance on the devices is damaging children's arithmetic.

Nick Gibb, the Schools minister, suggested calculators should only be used once a child masters basic maths.

Figures show 18 per cent of pupils in England aged from seven to 11 failed to make the progress expected of them in maths.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Schools may ban calculators

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering