A common notion is that mathematics, numeracy, and statistics are difficult. From personal experience of supporting students in these areas, I have found that the fear of number is largely responsible for this belief. There might be many reasons that contribute to this fear but developing a growth mindset is an effective strategy for “growing out of” it. Once you can overcome the fear of numbers, the challenges inherent to mathematics can be engaging and even quite enjoyable.

Breaking the mould: rising from ACEs to academia

I’m 17 years old walking around Tesco and I see one of my teachers from secondary school. He walks over to me to tell me that he knew I would never amount to anything more than a benefit scrounging, council estate statistic. I am pregnant.