Pearson Schools Blog

Building independence through maths for every student

By Karen McGuigan

I was one of these children who just loved maths – even now I see it everywhere in life – but I know that’s not a talent most people have. Maths is so important. It helps us understand money, unpick practical things like our shopping and phone contracts, and make informed decisions.

Yet the way most schools teach maths, especially to learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and additional needs, means many children are leaving education without the key maths skills they’ll need to live independently.

In 2019, after working on maths with my then 7-year-old son who has Downs Syndrome, I started a programme called Maths For Life with the aim of creating a differentiated approach to the current maths curriculum; one that delivers essential maths that all children need for life. I believe what I’ve learned could really improve maths accessibility for every child, whatever their needs and ability.

Q: What are some of the underlying causes or factors that contribute to maths anxiety in students in your opinion? 

For teachers, a key part of our roles is sharing our love for our subject and inspiring the new generation, yet we’re faced with many students struggling with maths anxiety. Although causes vary from student to student, there do seem to be some common trends. 

Key considerations include attitudes towards maths at home, in the classroom and on social media. For example, how do their teachers and families respond to making mistakes in maths? It’s also important to consider the mathematical experiences of students at home and in the classroom; is the focus on numbers and recall or exploration and discovery?

Maths is really everywhere, I think, and there are lots of ways to access it. Many problems in our society now require maths to be solved.  

Maths can also help students understand the world more, for example when they’re thinking about finances; budgets and taxes. Even for life at home, it helps develop problem-solving skills and increase creativity.  

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE shares her thoughts on the crossover between gender and maths anxiety and the impact on wider society, as part of Pearson’s Power of Maths Spotlight series.

We’re shortlisted for two BETT Awards for Transformational Impact and Collaboration with a School!

With 75% of the cost of a block of tutoring being covered by the government; schools are obviously keen to grasp this opportunity. But, as educators, how do you determine which of your learners are most in need of accessing this subsidised tutoring? 

Learning from our learners to to create a better exam experience. We’re pleased to announce the launch of our new amendments to our GCSE (9-1) French, German and Spanish assessments, for which the changes will take effect in the summer 2021 exam series*.

Danny Cuttell, Head of Extended Curriculum at Pearson, takes a look at feedback from the first Ofsted inspections. 

Following the Power of Maths roundtable on tackling maths anxiety, Dr Tom Crawford shares his take on the out-of-the-box approaches to help engage young people with maths, spark curiosity and inspire life-long interest in the subject.