What is Living Maths?
Our mission

We will provide an educational programme that extends, enriches and empowers children who are accelerated as well as children who struggle. We will develop their analytical, mathematical and deductive skills so that they can participate in the excitement of discovering the simplicities of a complex world.

So much effort goes into helping children who have problems with mathematics, but little is done for those who have a natural flair for the subject. These children need to be challenged with complex and varied mathematical problems to foster and encourage their natural ability.

The aim of the living maths programme is two-fold: to provide a stimulating environment where learners who have an above-average ability and analytical problem solving skills, will be challenged beyond the scope of the normal classroom setting and to help foster a new excitement in children who struggle with numbers. This is a structured outcomes-based programme that supplements the existing mathematics syllabus. Various classes are aimed at learners who have a whole range of abilities. Our main thrust is towards children who have an above average aptitude for the analytical sciences and the field of mathematics. We believe that no development or appreciation of mathematics can be achieved unless the learner is able to visualize the relevance of the subject in their everyday lives.

Living Maths currently employs dynamic senior science, engineering, maths, commerce students and professional teachers as lesson facilitators. Their interests range from medicine to mechanical engineering, but in each case, they share a common passion. There is a respect and appreciation for the elegant and efficient way in which mathematics has been used to describe the most complex of natural phenomena. Each facilitator is suitably inspired to impart this appreciation to learners who are responsive to creative and innovative input.

In 2000 we ran our first Maths Olympiad with about 10 000 participants. In 2009, we had 150 000 participants in South Africa and from overseas. Our Olympiad differs from other competitions as it evolves each year according to the feedback we receive from all the teachers. Many teachers even use our Olympiad as an assessment tool. We call our Olympiad the Living Maths Mathletics Olympiad. Our Olympiad is currently the world's largest Olympiad for primary learners and the only Olympiad in the world that caters for all grades from R-9.

Weekly classes comprise of 15-25 learners and each lesson is conducted by one dynamic facilitator. Learners from grades three to seven participate in classes (which are sometimes combined if requested). These classes take place once a week for an hour. Smaller classes can be arranged. A modest charge is associated with the programme and either the parents of the participants or the school covers this. Classes take place at the school.

Living Maths is now inspiring approximately 4500 pupils from around the Peninsula at the following schools: Kronendal, Bishops, Herschel, Micklefield, Rustenburg, St Cyprians, Herzlia Weizmann, Llandudno Primary, Springfield Convent, Camps Bay Primary, De Hoop, Hendrik Louw, Herzlia Highlands, Reddam House Tokai, Reddam Atlantic, Herzlia Constantia, Beaumont Primary, Pinelands North, Pinehurst Primary, Sweet Valley, Parklands College, St Georges Prep and St Cyprians,  Living Maths will absorb several new schools each term. If you feel that there are children who can benefit from this programme, please contact our office for more information.

What is the programme all about?

The Living Maths programme has been carefully developed to compliment the learner's school syllabus. At times, the material can be quite sophisticated and thus the learner is substantially 'stretched' but on the whole, the material covered is fun, interesting and enriching. We prefer to make the maths applicable to everyday examples and we aim to teach our learners how to think creatively and assertively. This is NOT a remedial programme for weaker students. We are developing materials for weaker students each year.

The learners will find that a wide range of topics is covered each term and by the end of the year, the learners would have absorbed an incredible amount of information. Some teachers and parents often ask if the learners can cope with the work that is covered. The lesson facilitators are experienced enough to identify the complexity of a topic and subsequently the material is designed with several levels should the facilitator need to accommodate the younger learners who might find the work challenging.

What do the learners cover during the lessons?

Living Maths is a mathematically based enrichment programme. We cover a large selection of topics that make use of maths, commerce, engineering, chemistry, problem solving and physics. We also cover relevant topics (E.g. Physical disabilities or Forensics) when appropriate and we endeavour to empower the learners with all the necessary skills that relate to the subject material.

The lesson has both a problem solving and an activity component. With the problem-solving component, this ensures that the learners cover a healthy dose of word problems, lateral thinking problems, brainteasers or Maths Olympiad type questions. For the activity component, we allow the learners to apply themselves to the material. For example, in a lesson on outer space, we designed our own star finders, which could be used at night to plot the constellations. To learn about a topic is great but to take part in the excitement of applying the newly found knowledge, is an absolute delight.

What are the primary outcomes of Living Maths to be achieved at the end of each year?

Learners must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills through the mediums of orals, written or presentation work.

We encourage our pupils to feel comfortable reading their solutions out or even demonstrating their solutions in front of their peers. They are often encouraged to present their solutions on the board, or through a particular apparatus used in a class activity. Living Maths pupils are taught how to set out, explain and approach their solutions.

Learners must identify and solve problems by using creative and critical thinking.

The very nature of the Living Maths programme is based on this principle - learners must think for themselves and must demonstrate the ability to explain why a correct solution is correct and why a proposed solution is wrong - either way, they must understand the inner workings of the principal upon which the problem was based.

Learners must organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

Living Maths learners are taught how to take down notes in class; they are trained to identify important points and essential information. Learners are not spoon-fed - they must be inquisitive and they must be investigative at all times.

Learners must demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team and apply this to their involvement in the community.

We only encourage teamwork in the Living Maths lessons. We feel that the benefit of peer information exchange and debate is highly effective. Living Maths learners are not only team players but many show leaderships skills too and this is developed through intellectual empowerment and consistent motivation.

Learners must demonstrate the ability to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Living Maths learners are always encouraged to do this. We often look at problems with one solution, many solutions (thus having the learners determine the most appropriate solution), and even problems with no solutions (thus encouraging the pupils to understand why this is so). If your school is interested in finding out more information about our programme, please feel free to contact our office at your earliest convenience.

How do we operate ?

The course material has been thoughtfully composed to stimulate young inquiring minds. Not every child can participate on this particular programme (we offer alternative programmes). Your child has been selected because they have achieved a high level of academic excellence.

Living Maths is consistently striving to offer excellence and efficiency at all times. In order to ensure that parents are aware of how we operate and what the Living Maths programme entails, please take note of the information below:

Fees for the year

Some of the Living Maths schools bill the learners, some of the schools pay for the learners and in most cases the parents cover the costs of the learners. If applicable, Living Maths invoices are sent out at the beginning of each school term. We require parents (or the school as per arrangement) to make payments at the start of each school term.

Methods of payment:
· Cheques (can be made out to Living Maths) or Cash
· Electronic transfer/Bank deposit (please phone/fax/email to confirm).

Our Contact Details

Our Banking Details

How much and by when do I need to pay?

The 2011 fee for each term is R510  (depending on your school) and is payable IN ADVANCE (Within the first 3 weeks of each term, where possible). Please note that we kindly request that you pay when your fees are due in order to simplify the financial procedures for the year and to accommodate monthly payment of salaries to Living Maths employees. Unless you have made special arrangements with Living Maths, a penalty of 10% of outstanding fees will be levied for late payments. If there are any problems, please feel free to contact us. We do offer discounts to parents that pay upfront for the year. Please click here for more information.

Work Books and Pens

We kindly ask parents to buy a Work Book (Pad, exercise book, flip file) for your child, to document the work that they do in class. Often, parents are completely unaware of what their children have covered over the school term. We also encourage parents to discuss the classes with your children, ask them about the brainteasers, let them impress you with their knowledge and take an interest in their work. Please provide your child with something to write with. At times, children arrive at a class with no pen or pencil.

Reports

It is our experience that parents are very keen to read reports regarding the performance of their child. Living Maths does not assess your child according to marks. We feel that a stress free environment is more conducive to promoting better performance. Each child will be monitored throughout this year and we will try to implement a parent-teacher evening during the year. You are always welcome to make contact with any of the Living Maths teachers to get an update on your child's performance in class.

Gifts, competitions and merchandising

In the past, Living Maths has presented gifts to our learners in the form of Living Maths rulers and stickers. We will endeavuor to find other appropriate gifts for our learners and if possible, we will pass these onto the learners. Living Maths often has competitions in which children are encouraged to take part. We also hand out prizes frequently. We are selling the ever-popular Living Maths T-shirts and other fashionable items. See our products page

Communication

Living Maths is very accessible to parents and teachers. You can now leave a message or fax and we will follow up all correspondence at our earliest convenience. Our email is checked several times daily and we have a great a WWW site. Our Office hours are from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. See all our contact details here.

WWW

Living Maths has assembled a helpful website that will allow learners to access resources and share their passion for maths with children from around the world. We hope to feature various projects, brainteasers and other material for the benefit of all our learners, their parents, their teachers and the general public. Please feel free to forward any websites, emails or ideas that you would want to share with the rest of the world. Email us.

Cybermail

We send out FREE weekly correspondence to our learners, teachers and general public who have access to email. Cybermail allows us to reach the children by providing fun problems, cool web sites and competitions for them to try out. It also allows Living Maths to enter the home and parents can play an active role working through problems with their children. This forum allows us to keep parents informed about events and essential information that might not have filtered back home after their initial announcements in class. All you need to do is click here and add yourself onto our list.

Discipline

All facilitators have been instructed to be firm but fair with all their learners. If a particular child is consistently destructive or disruptive in class, then they will be asked to leave the lesson. If a child's behaviour becomes inappropriate or impacts negatively on the rest of the class, after consultation with the child's parents, the child could be asked to leave the programme and any refund to the parents will be forfeited. Kindly explain this to your child before they enrol.

Parental participation

Please ask your child about their Living Maths classes and find out what they cover each week. Ask them to show you problems that they have worked through and solutions that they need to bring for the following week. Try to play as great a role as possible in your child's education and the impact of the lessons will be far more powerful. If you as a parent feel that you can contribute time, energy, ideas or feedback - we will be more than happy to hear from you. Parents are encouraged to take part in all Living Maths events. Work through the Cybermails, come along to the socials and pop into a few classes every now and again.

Feedback

At anytime, constructive criticism, compliments, suggestions, ideas, etc. are welcome. We take any information from the parents, seriously. We will act upon any matter as fast as humanly possible and we will try our best to implement your ideas. A fax, letter, email, or phone call is all it takes to get the ball rolling.

Enrolment forms

Every year we require parents to complete our standard enrolment form. This allows us to update our current information on our database. In the past, we have found that due to major incidents in our pupils lives (death of a sibling, parents divorcing, physical disability, etc.) the facilitators often have to deal with angry, confused and sensitive children. In order to overcome potential misunderstandings, we would appreciate if you could inform us about anything you feel we should know under the 'Medical or other' section. If an incident takes place during the year, feel free to contact us and we will subsequently ensure that your child receives the appropriate care in the Living Maths classes. If you have a change in correspondence address or contact details, please let us know as soon as possible. In the case where parents are divorced, please indicate who will be responsible for the fees.

Lesson times

Lessons will not take place on Public holidays or during School holidays. There will be no lesson on the first or the last day of the term unless an arrangement between the learners and their teachers is made. Parents are requested to bring their children to lessons on time since late arrivals cause disruptions to the class.

Homework

Living Maths facilitators often encourage the children to go home and find out information. This is not seen as homework and should not be treated as such. We do not give our children work to take home as they have enough schoolwork to do. We might however, get the children to put together a project, which will be compiled in the Living Maths classes. Any additional work that the children invest is entirely up to them.

Events

Living Maths is always keen to host various events during the year. We now offer maths evenings at each of our schools. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to work together solving fun maths brainteasers and lateral thinking problems. Please keep your eyes peeled in the Cybermail, newsletters or general notices for any event that might be coming up. Last year saw the introduction of our popular social sleepovers. They were an overwhelming success and it is without a doubt, going to be repeated during the course of 2010. Events are not compulsory. Feel free to contact us at anytime to find out about the latest events taking place. Look at our events page.