A survey of principal teachers of mathematics has shown significant difficulties in recruitment and supply cover, despite a drive by the Scottish Executive to increase the number of teacher training places.
The Scottish Mathematical Council’s survey of of 417 PTs - to which 249 replied - found that a “significant” number of schools have been at least one teacher short for long periods resulting in the use of non-specialists to cover classes and maths sessions having to be cut. Some 70 per cent reported recruitment shortages .
Eighty-six per cent of those who replied believe that Intermediate 2 is not as good a preparation for Higher as Standard grade, while 77 per cent think the move to faculty heads will have an adverse effect on the management of their departments.