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Opinion: The latest trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

Media releases

09 December 2016

Do you remember being at school and feeling overwhelmed by maths? You are not alone. Many adults and children in Australia struggle with numeracy, and yet this skill is increasingly essential for our daily lives.

The latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), released on Tuesday, shows the maths and science achievement of Australia’s Year 4 and 8 students over the past 20 years has largely flat-lined.

The Smith Family, Australia’s largest children’s education charity, argues that if we are to nurture a generation of numerate and scientifically literate young people, we need to start early – before children begin primary school.

That’s why we developed the Let’s Count program, in partnership with academics, early childhood professionals and families. This proven early maths program helps children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to see maths in their day-to-day activities and free play-time and to develop their understanding of mathematical concepts.

An independent evaluation of Let’s Count shows the program not only improves maths skills for pre-schoolers, but improves the confidence of parents and early childhood educators in helping children develop these skills.

We can see real potential for this program to help more children and we’re pleased that both Federal and State Governments are recognising that too, by helping us extend Let’s Count to reach children and families in more communities.

We’re also co-ordinating after-school Learning Clubs across Australia, so that primary and secondary school children from disadvantaged families can get support with their maths and science homework from trained volunteer tutors throughout the school year.

At any given moment, a child has maths in their life. Helping them to recognise it as a fun, everyday activity is now a vital skill if they are to successfully navigate the world of the 21^st century.

Wendy Field

Head of Programs, Policy and Volunteering

The Smith Family

Media contacts:

Andrew Dickson | National Media Manager (National) - 0421 285 529 | andrew.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Carla Horton | Senior Media Advisor (QLD & WA) - 0423 618 776 | carla.horton@thesmithfamily.com.au
Reid Jermyn | Media Advisor (VIC, SA & NT) - 0412 803 566 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au
Ben Chenoweth | Senior Media Advisor (NSW, ACT & TAS) - 0413 346 934 | ben.chenoweth@thesmithfamily.com.au

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create better futures for themselves through harnessing the power of education. We partner with around 800 Australian schools and work with over 162,000 children and young people experiencing disadvantage access our education support programs to help them overcome . For more information, visit thesmithfamily.com.au