When we look at why so many kids hit a wall with maths, we often talk about anxiety or tricky concepts, but honestly, the single biggest factor is the teacher in front of the classroom. Maths is like a language; if you have a patient, enthusiastic guide who can break down those abstract ideas into fun, concrete steps and cheer you on when you make a mistake, you’ll feel confident. Crucially, that great teacher understands that maths is built like a ladder, meaning it’s absolutely vital to truly master one foundational skill before attempting the next. The sad truth, especially in less-resourced schools—whether in South Africa, across the continent, or even in disadvantaged areas globally—is that they simply lack the capacity to attract and retain those genuinely great, patient maths teachers who know the importance of slowing down. These exceptional educators are highly sought after, and schools with smaller budgets often can’t compete with the salaries and resources offered elsewhere, leaving many dedicated students without the crucial, high-quality instruction they need and deserve to unlock their potential.
Why do so many kids struggle with maths?
When we look at why so many kids hit a wall with maths, we often talk about anxiety or tricky concepts, but honestly, the single biggest factor is the teacher…
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