Launched in 2023, the Essex Year of Numbers was a countywide campaign that aimed to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy. It came in response to evidence from UK charity, National Numeracy, that shows a link between low numeracy skills and debt, unemployment, and even poor health. Essex Year of Numbers provided pupils with new opportunities, resources and knowledge to feel more confident using maths.
On Tuesday 4 March we celebrated the Essex Year of Numbers at an event at the Hylands Estate, bringing contributors, experts and young people together to look back on the extraordinary work over the last 12 months. The video below demonstrates some of the great activities from the Essex Year of Numbers.
The Essex Year of Opportunity
Building on foundations from previous campaigns, the Essex Year of Opportunity is launching in 2025. The campaign will help people, of all ages, find employment, education and training. Exciting projects and learning events will launch throughout the year.
The Essex Year of Reading
Launched in 2022, the Essex Year of Reading helped children, young people and adults discover a love of reading. Multiple projects involved primary, secondary and SEND schools across Essex. Guidance and resources are still available.
What happened during the Essex Year of Numbers
Eco Refill project
Launched in collaboration with Pupils Profit, the Eco Refill project enabled primary school aged children aged nine and above to set up and operate their own monthly Eco Refill shops on school premises.
As part of the project, we provided each school with an enterprise training toolkit and students are tasked with writing a business plan, applying for job roles within the shop and learning to evaluate the effectiveness of their business. Find out more about the Eco Refill project.
Everyday Magic of Numbers
The Everyday Magic of Numbers series demonstrates how numbers are used in everyday life. Musician, poet, writer and educator, Christian Foley, looks at how numbers are used in Shakespeare’s writing. Watch Christian Foley discuss how he uses numbers in their everyday life.
Bobby Seagull's numeracy top tips
Latest research reveals that almost half of Essex parents do not feel confident when helping children with maths homework. To help combat this, we have teamed up with Celebrity maths expert Bobby Seagull to provide a series of fun and accessible tips that will encourage families to embrace the ‘Everyday Magic of Maths’.
Tips include examples of the magic of maths in everyday routines, from sport to eating. Read Bobby Seagull’s numeracy top tips and embrace the everyday magic of maths.
Cricket4Numbers
On Monday 10 June 2024 pupils and care home residents were treated to a special event at the Essex County Cricket Club to celebrate the Essex Year of Numbers campaign. The event focused on an all-age intergenerational approach to numbers through the sporting theme of Cricket.
During the day, pupils and residents tested out the re-creation of the Venn Bowling Machine by Cambridge University, learnt how to play Clock and Table Cricket, which promote access and inclusivity to sporting and social activity with a focus on numbers. Watch Cricket for Numbers participants describe the Cricket4Numbers event.
Resources
Download the Essex Year of... app
The Essex Year of... app will inspire you and your child to enjoy the magic of maths with confidence. You will find useful learning resources and information about upcoming events.
