Alex’s premier secondary school, KwaBhekilanga is poised to pull further away from the chasing pack of its four sister schools in this year’s Grade 12 results if its schoolchildren integrate lessons learnt in a maths improvement initiative.
The Maths Buddy programme, sponsored by Lombard Insurance, improves knowledge and comprehension of maths terminologies.
It was run for two days at the school by non-profit organisation, South Africa Maths Foundation as a refresher session to its introductory phase conducted last year at the school for Grade 10s and 12s.
It was also complemented by a workshop for the teachers.
Shaleen Wohrnitz of the foundation said the programme exposed, clarified and helped the youngsters grasp and apply the terms in order to improve their performance in class and during the examinations.
“Lack of comprehension of the terms is the major barrier causing them fear of the subject. With increased knowledge they will gain confidence, interest in enrolling for pure maths in which they will get better results rather than opting for maths literacy,” Wohrnitz said.
She added that the programme was based on a maths dictionary suitable for those in Grade 3 up to university level. “The confidence gained will encourage them to excel in the subject at a time of scientific and knowledge economy which requires competent and employable engineers, doctors and scientists.”
Wohrnitz commended the school and urged it to adopt the programme as a vital tool and part of its learning culture and the schoolchildren she said would enhance their brilliance through it.
“The dictionary is suitable for use at home and by the schools can engage with the department of education to get the programme introduced.”
Sheldon Channing, her colleague, said use of the dictionary to clarify words and terms increased confidence and performance. He recommended the dictionary which costs R300 and lesser when ordered in bulk.
Details: Teresa Russell 064 113 9860.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
Read: ORT SA enhances maths knowledge in Alex
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