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WWN Blog: Girls and Maths

So, we have been reflecting on girls and maths lately.  

And for the record, we often reflect on how we can make things better for boys too! 

We are all about ensuring children leave primary school fluent and confident with number because of those who do not, only 14% achieve a Grade 4+ in maths at GCSE. We need to be really concerned about this.  

It is recognised, compared to boys, that girls lack confidence in maths, they do not see it as valuable and statistically, they are less likely to pursue subjects and careers in maths. This is more related to confidence than competence. This point is really important.

We currently have a huge cohort of girls who have entered secondary school without the numeracy skills required and this post pandemic cohort are lacking even more confidence at this pivotal point in their journey. 

When helping students improve their skills in maths, it is essential they have the basic background knowledge. Cognitive science tells us this. Obvious, but so often not addressed. How are we finding out if your students have the background knowledge they need? How are we assessing and responding? 

For girls in particular, we must also consider how we can inspire and build confidence in maths. This is essential, as it is the missing link for many competent girls.  

We must be attentive to the environment and to the engagement and emotion of girls in maths. Consider strategies to help build their confidence. For example, cold calling may help your girls take part in your lessons and build confidence. Cold calling shows them you care about their response and in turn, your response can inspire and motivate.  Maybe we should call it ‘warm calling’?!

However, you are the expert in your classroom…you have a lot of hidden genius! Just remember to consider girls, keep confidence and attitude to maths at the forefront of your mind as you plan and deliver your lessons.  

And boys, please don’t worry, you won’t be missing out!   

Trust Improvement Lead, North East

I have been hugely impressed by the level of forensic thinking that sits behind WWN. It is far from a simple programme, but rather an approach that is rooted in robust evidence of how number can be taught in a way that is accessible to all pupils. WWN offers a cohesive and evidence-informed approach to teacher-development too. It is clear that WWN has been created by people who understand school leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.

Sean

Maths Leader, Dubai

Winning With Numbers is easy to use and it clearly shows progress in learning. It is helping to bridge gaps, challenge students and achieve targets in maths across the school. Students and parents are able to follow the learning journey and are eager to complete WINs. There is a real buzz at our school as students achieve their WINs, we are absolutely loving the WWN app! :)

Teagan

Y3 Teacher, Cardiff

Anything by Ben gets my vote! It is great to see something that has been created by someone who understands children, teachers, workload and numeracy. Through Ben's expertise, I have improved my skills in teaching maths and he has made me want to teach maths rather than fear it. This is exactly what we want for children also.

Julia

Maths Leader, Harrogate

The Winning With Numbers training was fantastic, we learned so much and have been really inspired. I'm still blown away with how brilliant the platform is and I'm excited to be getting going with it. It has already made a big difference in our school.

Charlotte

Class Teacher, West Wales

What Ben doesn't know about maths and the way we teach it...!!! His huge amount of expertise and experience has been a game changer for the way we teach maths! His programme makes us think differently about maths and both staff and students now really enjoy teaching and learning in this key subject.

Joanna

Tutor, Northumberland

I love the simplicity of Winning with Numbers - the focus on putting in place the small building blocks of mastering foundational maths skills, in a very ordered way. I also love how there are ways for a student to review a topic if they feel they need to; giving them some ownership of their learning. This programme is a great addition to my tutoring sessions.

Shelley

Deputy Headteacher, London

WWN is a highly effective programme that is deeply rooted in the science of learning with the pay off that teacher workload is minimised. It ticks all the boxes! We have seen progress maximised in each session and within a few weeks of teaching WWN.

Deborah

Home-Educator, South Wales

My daughter is really enjoying Winning With Numbers and it is showing me the gaps she has in her knowledge. It has been really good going back to fill the gaps. She loves getting the celebration videos when she does well. She smiles so much! I never thought it meant this much to her but it definitely does! I would definitely recommend.

Verity

Parent, Bridgend

My son is loving it! As a teacher, I know he is getting what he needs and it is great to have something my son can work through on his own. The timer is a really helpful option. He has first built his confidence and then we can add to the challenge by using the timer option. Thank you!

Samantha

Tutor, Ireland

All the students I work with are loving Winning With Numbers and the 'Be the Expert' videos are brilliant for preparing me for each session.

Connor

Partners & Awards

Winning With Numbers works to collaborate with others to improve the life chances of young people.  Winning With Numbers is delighted to partner with some highly effective organisations .  If you would like to partner with us, please do get in touch.