This follows the recent launch of maths charity, National Numeracy.
Richmond and Wimbledon teachers are emphasising the importance of numeracy skills, following the recent launch of maths charity, National Numeracy.
National Numeracy claims that half the British population have the numerical skills of an 11-year-old and aims to challenge the negative attitude towards maths.
Research by the group showed that struggling to understand payslips and bills is so common that being bad at maths is deemed socially acceptable and no cause for embarrassment.
Hilary Walsh, Learning Manager of Richmond Adult Community College, agreed that a lack of numeracy skills has become the norm.
He said it was a fundamental issue which needs to be addressed.
He added that he was interested to see whether National Numeracy would encourage attendance at adult colleges.
One of Mr Walsh’s primary concerns is the GCSE syllabus and the current focus on abstract theory, such as geometry, rather than practical numeracy.
He argues further that there is an emphasis on maths as a stand-alone subject in schools, making it hard for people to relate to.
A private maths tutor from Wimbledon, who did not wish to be named, added that many of his students are dissatisfied with the teaching they receive at school
“I get feedback and in many cases it’s not complimentary,” he said.
Mr Walsh believes that teaching maths in relation to everyday situations, such as adding up prices when shopping, could encourage students to recognise how vital an understanding of numeracy is.
Further to this, he encourages a link between maths and other subjects in the school curriculum.
“You subconsciously use maths in subjects such as art and music and this should be communicated from primary school upwards,” he said.
Both Mr Walsh and the private tutor stress that maths remains essential to everyday life and hope that National Numeracy will communicate this message effectively.
