Maths Anxiety Is A Widespread Issue That Can Impede Children’s Learning And Performance In Mathematics

Opting for maths literacy may seem like an easier route for students, but the repercussions in terms of missed job opportunities may not be fully realized. As a parent of a Grade 9 student aspiring to take Information Technology (IT) as a subject said: “I am faced with the dilemma of deciding whether my child should repeat the year to achieve better marks in maths if he needs to make a career change. Taking IT in Grade 10 is contingent on completing Maths Core.”

How can we address this challenge?
While extra lessons are an option, they can be expensive, and not all parents have the financial means to cover these additional costs. 

Some schools offer free after-school lessons once a week, but this is not universally available. Although free online content exists, access to the internet is essential. This hurdle might be mitigated by visiting the local library, though this isn’t always accessible in every town.  

Participating in Maths Olympiads can instill a love for learning and curiosity, offering students a platform to explore and appreciate the beauty of Mathematics. Involvement in these Olympiads can boost a child’s confidence. Overcoming maths anxiety through exposure to challenging problems in a supportive environment fosters resilience and self-assurance. Success in solving intricate mathematical problems serves as a powerful confidence booster and a valuable learning experience.

When Conquesta Olympiads was founded in 1998, the focus was on making learning enjoyable for children.  The emphasis was on building confidence and making Maths, along with other subjects, more enjoyable through the use of a multiple-choice answer system.  Every student receives a certificate, regardless of their results. For instance, a student might receive ‘Mathematics 2: Diamond (79%)’ or, if scoring less than 50%, ‘Mathematics 2: Copper’.

Each year, a new paper is meticulously crafted. The teachers who compose our papers are carefully selected and currently teach the subjects and grades covered in the papers.

The journey from ‘Maths Anxiety’ to ‘Maths Mastery’ begins with a single step, and each participant in Conquesta Olympiads takes that step toward a brighter and more confident Mathematical future.