Abstract: The phrase “mathematical literacy” is now being used to describe students’ Capacity to use their mathematical knowledge for informed citizenship. PISA, the new international assessment of 15 year old students that is being conducted under the auspices of the OECD (1999), defines mathematical literacy thus:

Mathematical literacy is an individual’s capacity to identify and understand the role that mathematics plays in the world, to make well-founded judgments and to engage in mathematics, in ways that meet the needs of that individual’s life as a constructive, concerned and reflective citizen. (OECD PISA, 2001)