Let's talk about maths
Love it or loathe it, everyone has something to say when it comes to maths. Whether it’s a story about school lessons, tips for the best supermarket bargains, calculations in your career or helping kids with homework.
Opening up about our feelings is a great first step towards positive change. And talking about the way we feel about numbers is no different. Often, we find out others feel just the same as we do!
Ending the 'bad at maths' boast
Lots of people feel worried about numbers and maths, often having had a bad experience at school. And while not being able to read holds some stigma, it’s not uncommon to hear people declare ‘I don’t do maths, but it doesn’t matter.’
However, it really does matter: a huge 49% of the UK’s working-age population has the expected numeracy levels of a primary school child. Struggling with numbers can make people more vulnerable to debt, unemployment, poor health and fraud – all of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis and now, the cost-of-living crisis. That’s why improving the nation’s numeracy is so crucial right now.
Join Bobby Seagull and friends by sharing your story
So, this May, join celebrities and experts on social media by sharing your own number stories via #BigNumberNatter. Or join the thousands of people holding their own number natter sessions across the UK, by hosting your own at school, college, work or in your community.
Bobby Seagull, TV presenter, maths teacher and National Numeracy Ambassador said: “I know people from all walks of life who feel a bit scared when it comes to numbers, from famous faces to parents at my school and fellow fans at West Ham. But everyone can feel more confident with maths. So, this National Numeracy Day, please join me and my fellow Ambassadors in having a Big Number Natter.”
Get started
Visit the National Numeracy Day website for free resources to get started and to have a go at the National Numeracy Challenge to check your numeracy and start improving in just 10 minutes.
Or find out more about The Big Number Natter and how you can get involved as an individual or with your organisation.
National Numeracy Day is brought to you by independent charity National Numeracy, Founding Supporter KPMG and a group of pioneering Lead Supporter and Lead Delivery Partner organisations who are dedicated to improving the nation’s numeracy confidence and skill.
Become a Champion
For schools and organisations signing up to be National Numeracy Champions – there are free digital toolkits bursting with assets and guides to putting on a fantastic National Numeracy Day including The Big Number Natter in classrooms, at work or in your communities.
