Scitech Representative Helen Oke with Lily Lamb and Juliette Lamb at Carcoola Primary School.
Camera IconScitech Representative Helen Oke with Lily Lamb and Juliette Lamb at Carcoola Primary School. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Maths program to continue in schools thanks to Scietech and Alcoa

Eloise FotiMandurah Coastal Times

THE Alcoa Maths Enrichment Program will be running at primary schools at North Dandalup, Dwellingup, St Joseph’s Waroona and Carcoola for the next three years.

More than 3000 teachers, students and parents have taken part in the program since it began in 2012.

The program is a result of the partnership between Scitech and Alcoa and it aims to accelerate teacher capacity, confidence and leadership with mathematics, and boost student performance.

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Throughout April and May, Scitech staff will visit the participating schools and facilitate introductory sessions for parents, teachers, and students.

The workshops provide a background to the program and give parents resources and inspiration to support their children’s maths learning over the year.

Scitech chief executive Alan Brien is excited about what the program has already achieved.

“The Alcoa Maths Enrichment Program aims to use the three-way learning relationship between teachers, students and parents to make the transition from basic numeracy to more complicated concepts easier,” he said.

Students have reported a 28 per cent increase in their interest in maths and 20 per cent increase in confidence and enjoyment during maths lessons.

Alcoa of Australia chairman Michael Parker said the program provided children with the building blocks for future career possibilities within the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields.

“We need to spark an early interest in mathematics and other STEM subjects if we are going to create a strong pipeline of people pursuing STEM related professions,” says Mr Parker.

Later in the year, Scitech will host a family night at City West where all schools will be invited to take part in an engaging maths challenge night.