Newcastle-under-Lyme dad refreshes his own maths skills
A 55-year-old solicitor has improved his problem-solving skills at work and can now help his children with their homework after completing two nationally-funded maths courses under the Multiply programme.
Cameron Hogg, from Newcastle-Under-Lyme, generally got on well with numbers. However, when trying to do some quick calculations at work, he realised that his skills were a little rusty.
The father-of-two also struggled to help his primary school aged children with their homework because problem-solving techniques had significantly changed since his time at school.
After contacting the Multiply team at Staffordshire County Council, Cameron completed two ‘Maths to Help Your Children’ courses at Newcastle College. He attended the lessons with his wife, Parminder, for two hours a week and they both enjoyed learning alongside other parents.
Cameron said: “Natasha, who ran the course, was excellent. She would adapt her teaching style to different people in the group. It was a small group but some people were more confident than others so, sometimes, we would break apart for five or 10 minutes so she could explain things in more depth to those who needed that extra help.”
To other adults who want to brush up on their maths skills, Cameron says: “Give it a go if you can spare the time because it will refresh skills that you forgot you had. It also gives you an insight into how the kids are taught now and some of the limitations they might face and help you to help them.”
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “Our Multiply courses are no longer just for people who do not have their GCSE maths grade or equivalent. They are for anyone aged above 19 who wants to improve their confidence with numbers.
“We are so proud to work with our providers across the county to help people improve their maths skills, whether it is because they want to get a qualification, improve their money management or simply help their children with homework.
“The courses are fully-funded, they can be in person or online and you do not have to sit an exam afterwards if you don’t want to. Take a look at our website and see what is available in your area.”
Changes in the eligibility criteria mean that the Multiply programme is now available to most adults both online and in person.
Any Staffordshire resident aged over 19 can now get fully funded professional help, whether they want to obtain a Level 2 maths qualification or simply refresh their knowledge.
For more information about courses near you, visit Staffordshire County Council’s Community Learning Service website.
