Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected language/discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems.  It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering.  It is necessary for financial, verbal and digital literacy and most forms of employment.  A high quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world around us, the ability to reason mathematically whilst exposing illogical arguments in a logical way.  An appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics brings about a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.  Mathematical thinking allows the manipulation of precise and intricate ideas and how to communicate them.