| Abstract: | Mechanics has never been the most popular subject in A-levelmathematics, the UK’s public examination for 16–18-yearolds, either with students, teachers or educators. The attemptsto popularize mechanics have failed and it is conceivable thatthe subject will be dropped from the A-level syllabus in theforeseeable future. This article argues the importance of mechanicsand why it should be integral to secondary school mathematics:Mechanics is the exemplar of mathematical modelling, is thelogical point of entry for the enculturation into scientificthinking and provides the means to develop an understandingof the relationship between mathematics, the theoretical objectsof science and the way science and mathematics speak of theworld. It enables learners across the ‘ability range’to think in the abstract and as such should be taught priorto the 6th form, that is, prior to the UK’s post-compulsorylevel of education. |
