Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
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Graphic: John McCann

Editorial: Time to solve the maths question

According to education experts, the number of learners taking pure math as a subject has been steadily declining

Picture it: An example of a visual learning wall used to reinforce logic-based subject rules.

From rules to results: How to make maths and programming easier

Simplify logic-based subjects and build lifelong reasoning tools by learning rules visually and practising consistently

Today’s youth hold the power to lead a transformation. This time not only through protest, but through innovation with compassion.

From struggle to superpower: A letter to SA’s youth to rise through STEMI

We need thinkers who can connect the dots between science and society, code and compassion, data and dignity

By empowering more women and girls in STEM, we unlock potential, drive innovation, and build a more sustainable, equitable future for all. (Gallo)

Despite progress, we still need to break down barriers facing women in science

By empowering more women and girls in STEM, we unlock potential, drive innovation, and build a more sustainable, equitable future for all

By targeting learners in primary school, children are better prepared for high school maths – and beyond

Confidence in maths a catalyst for educational success

By targeting learners in primary school, children are better prepared for high school maths – and beyond

William Smith’s legacy points the way to fixing deep inequalities in the school system

The dedicated maths and science teacher had an ability to make maths and science understandable and interesting

Because maths is difficult and the curriculum is heavy, a clearer focus and reinforced practice (on important content) seem to work better for producing a good result, at least in the short run. (Photo by Servais Mont/Getty Images)

Are Chinese better at maths than the rest of us?

The fact that Chinese parents invest heavily in their children’s education -– and the learners themselves are driven to achieve — contributes to their facility for maths

It is essential that women and girls are empowered to seize the growing possibilities in the field of science, technology, engineering and maths

Unlocking the exciting and diverse world of STEM careers for women

It is essential that women and girls are empowered to seize the growing possibilities in the field of science, technology, engineering and maths

The South African Democratic Teachers Union alleges schools are pressuring learners in grade 10 and upwards to drop maths to protect overall matric pass rates

Mathematical modelling can reduce failure in maths in schools

Maths should be taught in a way that connects learning to real-life problems

The challenges faced by English FAL learners at university have their roots in the structure and implementation of the basic education system. (File photo)
Video

Free maths and science tutoring for all grade 11 and 12 learners – join the YouTube channel now!

Accessible anywhere on any device, Nelson Mandela University’s Yebo Tutor aims to raise maths and science education levels

Matrics in more than 1 100 schools did not write science or maths in 2021.

Youth lose out because many schools don’t offer maths and science

A teacher shortage is one reason learners are not doing these subjects but instead of giving up on these subjects, schools should turn to technology

Graphic: John McCann

It is vital to build capacity in the basic sciences in Africa

Basic sciences, such as physics, maths and stats, advance human knowledge and push the frontiers of technology for the benefit of a sustainable society

Rural partnerships boost for maths and science education

Nelson Mandela University is promoting education in the vital subjects of maths and science, especially in the rural areas

The results of learners implicated in the leak of the two papers in the 2020 matric examination and the results of those learners involved in “group copying” will be blocked while investigations continue.

Leaked papers may lead to learners losing their matric certificates

Umalusi has approved the release of the 2020 matric results saying that it did not find systemic irregularities that compromised the exam

A record 98.31% of Grade 12 learners passed the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations administered by the Independent Examinations Board

‘Decision not to rewrite has caused a crisis,’ says basic education head

The high court has set aside the decision by the department and education quality assurer Umalusi that matrics would have to rewrite two subject leaked just before the matric exams

Class of 2021, you have struggled through a generation-defining time. We are so proud of you, whatever the results on that piece of paper

Hawks make arrest in matric maths paper leak

Themba Daniel Shikwambana, who works at a printing company, was granted bail and is due to return to court in January

(John McCann/M&G)

Basic literacy: reading comes before coding

Teaching coding in primary school could increase inequality if other skills are not prioritised

Nelson Mandela University’s Professor Azwinndini Muronga. (Heather Dugmore)

Why Vhembe is producing top matrics

The main reason is everyone in the region supports a culture of education, with a focus on maths and science

Mathematician Karen Uhlenbeck. (Image via Abel Prize)

Abel Prize for maths awarded to a woman for the first time

American Karen Uhlenbeck has won the Abel Prize in mathematics for her work on partial differential equations, the first woman to win the prize

South African kids are really struggling with maths, and that’s where OLICO steps in to help

OLICO Maths pupils score top marks in matric

Investing in the Future STEM Skills Development Award. Winner: OLICO Maths