There is at the moment considerable pressure to change the course of A-level mathematics, pressure which is now so intense that fairly radical change is both inevitable and desirable. A variety of causes have brought us to this situation. In the era of post-Cockcroft mathematics we have seen many of its recommendations implemented in the 11-16 age range. Most notable perhaps are;

1. (i) the provision of differentiated courses and examinations,

2. (ii) the encouragement of greater pupil participation in their own learning of mathematics,

3. (iii) 0 the construction of courses using a ‘bottom up’ approach.