How did you feel about engaging with maths again as part of your care certificate?
When we were told during the training about numeracy being a module on the care certificate, I completely freaked out. I just thought to myself, “healthcare is my passion but if that’s what I have to do to get there, I’m never going to.” Everyone around me didn’t seem to struggle with maths, but I just kept quiet. It took me a very long time to pluck up the courage to try the Challenge.
What was your experience of taking the Challenge like?
I took my time to answer the questions, and when I got my score at the end I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I would do worse, however it still wasn’t enough to pass the module. I had another attempt and scored even lower, but I wasn’t deterred. I kept learning and trying and eventually, I passed. I was so happy, I was jumping round the house. It was such a relief!
I have the confidence to take my Functional Skills Maths, and even my maths GCSE!
How did this impact you?
Not only do I feel like I can confidently help my daughter with her homework, it also gave me such a push at work. Before I started working at the trust, my maths was poor. Now, I have the confidence to take my Functional Skills Maths, and even my maths GCSE! I have recently been offered a job at a different trust, and part of the job description was a maths test. Before, I would have packed up my bags and left, but this time I walked in proud, because I had confidence in my maths after doing the Challenge. Now, I feel ready to go on to study nursing, which is a dream come true.
What would your advice be to others?
Whatever you set your mind to, you can do it. Maths is not as difficult as it seems, you use it every single day without even thinking about it. If you fail, you can try again. Learning is a continuous process. It is crazy to think that before I took the Challenge, maths could have held me back from going for a job interview. What National Numeracy are doing is amazing.
