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<p>We are promoting science, engineering and mathematics in primary schools in a number
of ways. From September this year, we introduced a new primary curriculum which aims
to align England with those countries that have the highest-performing school systems
in the world. Our new primary curriculum sets out the essential knowledge pupils need
to progress. There is a greater emphasis on the acquisition of scientific knowledge,
an increased focus on practical work, and more emphasis on written methods of calculation.
To ensure the focus on written and mental arithmetic, we have also removed the use
of calculators from the end of Key Stage 2 tests.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Department
funds several programmes to support the teaching of science and maths at primary including
funding 50 local Science Learning Partnerships that deliver professional development
to science teachers. In mathematics, we have established a network of 32 new Maths
Hubs across England backed by £11 million of funding. These centres of excellence
will implement the Shanghai-style mastery approach to mathematics. Central to this
is a Shanghai teacher exchange programme. The hubs will also lead a project to trial
the use of textbooks at the core of a mastery teaching approach in selected primary
schools.</p>
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