From puzzles to classroom challenges, our MATHS Week brought learners and educators together in a fun, collaborative atmosphere that broke traditional boundaries.
In August 2024, learners, teachers, and partners came together to reignite the spirit of mathematics across our school community during Maths Week. What started as a learner-led idea grew into a celebration of thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and creativity.
Why Maths Week Matters
After noticing persistent post-Covid learning gaps and declining interest in school maths, our team – including dedicated learners – saw the need for an event that would make math engaging again. Maths Week aimed:
- Promote a positive attitude toward math
- Create a space for collaborative learning
- Showcase the relevance of math in everyday life
- Encourage teacher and learner leadership
This event aligned with our core belief in the Triple Cs: Content, Collaboration and Context – a framework we’ve used since launching the Mathematics Le Conference
Highlights from the the week
- Learner-Led Activities
Learners co-designed activities and helped market the event through posters, videos and announcements. Each grade had their day to shine, with mini-quizzes, math relays, problem solving marathons, and even a math-inspired art display.
- Conceptual Demos and Group Work
Teachers used the week to make model collaborative math teaching – learners worked in small groups to tackle concepts using manipulatives, visual, and peer explanations.
- Guest Sessions and Teamwork
We hosted mini-workshops on careers in math and problem-solving in daily life. We also had sessions with other schools and worked closely with Mr. Mluma, a dedicated teacher from a neighbouring school.
Outcomes and Impact
- Increased learner confidence, especially in public presentations
- Stronger teacher-learner relationships
- Greater willingness to attempt math problems
- Ideas for year-round math clubs and games
Teachers reported that learners who usually stay quite in class were the most active during the week.
We are planning to expand Maths Week into Math Month in 2025, including inter-school math games, district-level guest speakers, and more real-life math projects.
“Empowering minds through content, collaboration, and context”
