The week of 2 - 6 August 2010 was declared National Mathematics Week by the South African National Committee for the International Mathematical Union. Through their member organisations, the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS) and the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA) focused on making maths more exciting for learners.
The aim of the week was to show learners that Maths has relevance and interest both at school and in the larger arena of everyday life. As a vehicle to popularise maths, Mathematics Week encouraged the presentation of mathematical studies as a challenging and attractive foundation for many future careers, such as those in science, technology, management and education.
AMESA in the Eastern Cape embarked on activities for all phase levels at the Missionvale Campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. Teachers and learners from Foundation Phase all the way through to FET Phase were engaged in mathematical games, problem solving activities, talks on maths, quizzes, relays and various mathematics content development sessions.
Rhodes University was represented by Mrs Lise Westaway (Rhodes Education Department and Treasurer of AMESA EC) and Ms Zonia Jooste (RUMEP and Chairperson of AMESA Grahamstown Branch) who presented the mathematical games sessions for Foundation and Intermediate Phase teachers and learners.
Back here at home, Mrs Westaway and Ms Jooste presented the mathematical games session to Grade 5 learners at Good Shepherd Primary School, as part of the Grahamstown National Mathematics Week celebrations. Mr Jonathan Hellermann, 2009 Rhodes PGCE graduate and mathematics teacher at Good Shepherd, assisted with facilitating the games in the various groups of learners.
Three current PGCE students, on teaching practice at the school, were also involved in making the occasion one of learning through fun. The games involved concept development of common fractions; spaces and shapes; numbers and multiplication; division problem solving and investigation skills, and so on.
The best performers were awarded prizes. As the photos of interested and happy learners show, the event was counted a resounding success.