JEFFREYS BAY – Pellsrus Primary School in Jeffreys Bay is making strides in strengthening mathematics education through its Family Maths programme, an initiative aimed at equipping both parents and learners with essential skills and confidence in the subject.
The programme, introduced in 2023 following a Department of Education launch attended by two schools in the Kouga and KouKamma region, including a Tsitsikamma-based school and Pellsrus Primary, is funded by Sanral and supported through partnerships with Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the University of the Free State.
It aligns with the Department’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), ensuring that learning remains consistent with national standards.
Grade 3 mathematics teacher and Head of Department, Rejune Roman, said the programme focuses on empowering parents, teachers and learners by breaking down key mathematical concepts and showing how maths can be incorporated into everyday life.
“The programme empowers parents, teachers and learners to learn key concepts in maths and to incorporate the subject in everyday life,” said Roman.
She said that through hands-on activities and practical learning methods, the initiative caters to different learning styles while encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’s education.
Roman said that teachers received training at the programme’s launch and have since been facilitating workshops for parents to better support learning at home.
Despite its benefits, she noted that attendance has been a challenge, with only about half of the Grade 3 parents participating each year. “It has been disappointing that only half of the Grade 3 parents have joined when we know the financial contributions the sponsors have made and the effort placed into the programme,” said Roman.
She acknowledged that many parents face work commitments and other obstacles, adding that around 70 parents have attended the workshops annually over the programme’s three-year span, which is set to conclude this year.
Roman said that each participating parent receives a maths kit, which is used during workshops held three times a year from term one to term three. She emphasised the importance of practical learning at home.
“We want to encourage parents to use practical tools at home instead of spending money on expensive tools. I encourage them to use potatoes at home to count. Mathematics is all around us. It is not restricted to schoo.”
She highlighted that Grade 3 is a critical stage where learners build foundational mathematical concepts and vocabulary that will carry through their schooling.
“We see quicker progress in learners when the parents are involved. Learners who practise at home are more actively involved in the classroom and are more confident in their knowledge of their schoolwork. Even shy kids are willing to participate more in class.”
She said that the programme also helps change perceptions around mathematics, particularly among parents who may feel intimidated by the subject. “Once they have completed the workshop, the parents realise that maths is not a difficult subject. There is so much fun to be had in maths,” said Roman.
“Many parents completed school many years ago and believe that maths has changed, but while methods may change, the fundamentals stay the same. We want to empower parents to assist their children,” said Roman.
She encouraged parents to reach out to the school for support when needed. “We want parents to know that they are free to call the school or visit the teachers if they need assistance. Education is a collective responsibility of the school, learners and community. When parents are involved, the learners prosper, which is what the school values.”
She expressed appreciation for the support received from the two universities and Sanral for the three-year Family Maths programme.
Although the current programme is set to end this year, Roman said that the school plans to continue hosting workshops independently.
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