Numeracy

What is Numeracy

• Numeracy is a life skill. Being numerate goes beyond simply 'doing sums'; it means having the confidence and competence to use numbers and think mathematically in everyday life…

Numeracy – for everyone, for life

• Numeracy, means having a grasp of numbers and data and the arithmetic and reasoning necessary for everyday life. It means confidently handling money, understanding interest, using timetables, working out journey times and interpreting graphs and charts - in other words, living in the modern world. As such, numeracy is essential

Why is Numeracy important

• Everyone needs to be numerate to maximise their life chances and to make a positive contribution to society.

Numeracy vs Maths

Numeracy vs Maths

• Numeracy is a concrete and practical capability used on a daily basis, whilst mathematics – in its purest sense – becomes increasingly abstract as you progress through secondary school.

• Maths is not ‘sums’ that is Numeracy

Numeracy

• Pupils will use Numeracy and the skills associated with it in each of their subjects.

• It is important for you to know what numeracy and skills your child is covering throughout school

• We will now look at examples of how we use Numeracy within school and in the real world (feedback from pupils)

Expressive arts

Measuring sizes of paper

Measuring textiles to make designs

Using appropriate scales

Timing cues for lighting and sound

Counting beats in music

Science

Weighing during experiments

Interpreting and creating graphs

% increase and decrease

AveragesUsing temperatures

PE

Calculating/Counting heart rate

Measuring Speeds

Measuring distances

Using weights

Working out winners in competitions

Social Subjects

Using statistics in modern studies

Using scale on maps in geography

Timelines in history

Using co-ordinates in geography

Graphs

ICT/Business

Calculating pixel resolutions

Using spreadsheets involving money

Finance - Profit/Loss

Game design Problem Solving

Food Technology

Cooking time

Ratio to scale recipes

Weighing and measuring ingredients

Technical

Drawing designs

Using mm

Measuring and cutting wood

Using scales

Real Life

Train/Bus times

Student loans

In exams calculating percentage mark

Cash registers in shops

Young Scott card discount

Real Life

Reading charts/statistics in current job

Looking into rent for uni/collage

timekeeping

sports

Nights out

Numeracy Skills

Problem Solving• Indentify information needed to start question• Break down a problem into smaller steps• Interpret solutions in a context of the problem• Make mental check to check reasonableness

of answer

Numeracy Skills

Reasoning• Identify structures• Be systematic• Search for pattern• Develop logical thinking

Numeracy Skills

Decision Making• Predict and check• Identify relevant information• Choose tools and equipment• Choose appropriate strategies

WHAT IS THE ISSUE?

Poor numeracy is a huge and neglected problem.

According to the most recent Skills for Life survey, almost 17 million people in the UK have numeracy skills below those needed at national level – for literacy the comparable figure is 5 million…

1. Adults who struggle with numeracy are twice as likely to be unemployed as those who are competent.

2. Recent studies have shown that numeracy is a bigger indicator of disadvantage than literacy

3. Having a numerate population is vital to the UK building a strong economy and competing globally.

4. Boring ‘classroom maths’ is what is needed at times

5. Yet EVERYONE can do maths…

WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

We want every person in Paisley Grammar to reach a level of numeracy that allows them to meet their full potential. We believe that this is possible but that it will require sustained and coordinated effort from teachers, parents – and learners themselves…

Numeracy Lit

erac

y

Health & Wellbeing

RoA

How can I help?

http://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/parents/index.html

http://www.nnparenttoolkit.org.uk/

http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Parentzone/learningathome/supportingnumeracy/index.asp

http://www.pgsmaths.co.uk/for-parents.html

Any questions please come and see me at end.

Thanks