© 1997 by Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
The Continuing Relevance of Mechanics in A-Level Mathematics
Ann Kitchen is a Research Fellow at the University of Manchester. After an early career with IBM as a systems analyst, she taught mathematics in an 11–18 school until 1988. Since then she has worked in the field of curriculum development for post-16 Mathematics, especially mechanics. She is also involved with the development and assessment of the NEAB 16–19 Mathematics A-level. In addition she is currently the Chair of the General Council of the Association of Teachers of Mathematics
Mike Savage, formerly a member of the Applied Mathematics Department at Leeds University is now a professor of Physics and Astronomy there. Joint leader with Julian Williams of The Mechanics in Action Project with curriculum interests in mathematical modelling and problem solving. Research interests include fluid dynamics and the mechanics of thin films and coatings. Joint leader of the Interdisciplinary Coatings Research Group which is engaged in both fundamental and applied research for the coatings industry
Julian Williams, formerly a school mathematics teacher, is currently Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester, director of the Centre for Mathematics Education and Deputy Dean of research. His research interests include the teaching and learning of mathematics, mathematical modelling and applications in science, technology and vocational education.
Address for correspondence: Ann Kitchen, Centre for Mathematics Education, School of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. (100271.1404{at}Compuserve.Com)
This paper argues for the design of a pre-university Mathematics A-level course which includes a substantial amount of mechanics in which students' skills in using and applying algebra and calculus can be developed. This proposal is counter to the trends of recent decades, in which applications of mathematics have been introduced which make fewer demands on such important pure mathematical content. It is argued by some that these trends have sought to make mathematics more accessible, relevant and popular. However, kinematics, statics and dynamics should be seen not only as the natural partner to Pure Mathematics but also an essential grounding for understanding modelling.