TIGA,the trade association representing the UK games industry, today welcomed the Government's
intention to introduce more rigorous teaching of mathematics as it looks to
overhaul GCSEs with a new examination regime.
Over
the years, games developers have said that they want to see greater numbers of highly
skilled mathematics and computer science students. However,
TIGA questioned the reported move towards a single examination board for mathematics.
A single examination board would need to adopt effective quality control
procedures to ensure that standards are upheld. It would also need to be
protected from political interference, especially in respect of grading.
Dr Richard Wilson, CEO of TIGA,
said:
“Paying more attention to the teaching of maths
and ensuring it remains at the core of education will directly benefit the
videogame industry. It is clear, through talking to our members, that maths is
of vital importance for the development of videogames. Measures to enhance
standards in mathematics and to increase the supply of students with a good
grasp of the subject will be welcome.
“Whether the establishment of a single
examination board for mathematics will by itself uphold standards is more
questionable. The crucial question is ‘who guards the guardians?’ In the case
of examination boards, there need to be internal procedures for ensuring
quality control and there needs to be protection from external interference.”
Notes to editors:
About TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s games industry. The
majority of our members are either independent games developers or in-house
publisher owned developers. We also have games publishers, outsourcing
companies, technology businesses and universities amongst our membership. TIGA
was awarded ‘Trade Association of the Year’ and the ‘Member Recruitment Award’
at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2010. TIGA has also been
named as a finalist in the 2010 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) National
Management and Leadership Awards in the category of ‘The Outstanding
Organisation of the Year Award (SME)’.
TIGA is an ‘Investors in People’
accredited organisation. TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place
in the world to do games business. We focus on three sets of activities:
political representation, generating media coverage and developing services
that enhance the competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA
members are effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is
heard in the media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to
their businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial
opportunities.
For further information, please contact Dr
Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939 643, or email richard.wilson@tiga.org.