Adding up to a new economy - Cable calls for clear focus on advancing maths and science

7.43.40am GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

Vince Cable MP Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor

"Councils should monitor and promote the take-up of A and A/S-level Maths, Further Maths and Sciences by young people as one clear and simple way of focussing on raising the competitive knowledge base and mathematical literacy of their area" Liberal Democrat Deputy and Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable will say on a visit to the Oldham Sixth Form College, rated as one of the best Sixth Form Colleges in the country.

Oldham Sixth Form College received six 'outstanding' Grade 1s in their last Ofsted Report, achieved good results last year for maths, further maths and for sciences and last November held their first Maths Motivation Day covering such topics as superstring theory and an 11 dimensional world with top level academic speakers.

Dr Cable's visit comes at a time when Oldham's Liberal Democrat run Council has helped to push the 'participation in learning' levels of Oldham's 16,17 and 18 year olds above the national average and above the average of other similar local authorities.

This success has been achieved by a close partnership between Oldham Council, the Oldham Sixth Form College, the Oldham College and University College Oldham amongst others with the most recent Audit Commission Area Assessment for Oldham saying "significantly higher numbers of young people are progressing through education, and obtaining higher qualifications than ever before."

Vince Cable will add "Councils taking a lead with Sixth Forms and Colleges in their area on promoting advanced level maths and science study is a vital and practical step. It means that Councils are honing in on the educational skills that young people entering our economy desperately need now to help lead the country to a sustainable recovery."