Grahamstown learners have been winning prizes for maths. The South African Numeracy Chair (SANC) Project at Rhodes runs after-school maths clubs for learners from under-resourced schools.
Grahamstown learners have been winning prizes for maths. The South African Numeracy Chair (SANC) Project at Rhodes runs after-school maths clubs for learners from under-resourced schools.
This year they have introduced awards and the aim, says Debbie Stott, senior researcher with the project and co-ordinator of the clubs, is “to acknowledge an exceptionally positive disposition towards mathematics”.
There are two awards. The first is given to the learner who has shown the most dedication and passion for mathematical learning. This went to Zintle Mtotoyi from Debbie’s Grade 3 club at St Mary’s. Debbie says that, after the first club session Zintle asked Debbie for chalk.
“I asked her why she wanted it. She said that she wanted to practise maths at home. I asked her if she’d like a book [books are only usually given out after the third session]. She smiled and said ‘yes’.”
Zintle completed nine books throughout the year – but it’s not just about quantity, it’s about passion for and dedication to maths and, says Debbie, Zintle has plenty of both.
The second award is given jointly to a pair of club members who have shown exceptional collaboration in their maths learning.
This went to two learners from Debbie’s Grade 5 club at Samuel Ntsiko – Kamvelilhe Wonci and Emihle Stamper.
Debbie says that, in the two years she’s worked with the club, these two girls have shown what it means to work together mathematically.
“They get straight on with the task, do not fight and they are not happy until they have found a way to complete the task, no matter how difficult.”
The winners were selected from the 41 learners who regularly attended the clubs during the course of this year and received a certificate, a voucher for themselves and their families and a GeoGenius set. The hope is that the awards will become an annual event.
• Debbie Stott is Senior Researcher with the South African Numeracy Chair
