The course enhances existing knowledge of the field of numeracy and mathematics education by critical analysis of government policy in this area; students have the opportunity to share experiences and observations as basic skills practitioners and research, critique and analyse UK and international policy in numeracy and mathematics education; students also increase their knowledge of the historical development of numeracy provision and the impact of policy decisions on standards and achievement; the course gives the opportunity to debate and analyse cultural origins in order to establish what impact these have on achievement and enjoyment of numeracy and mathematics.