Essex Year of Numbers is a countywide campaign that aims to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy. It is a year of exciting learning opportunities, fun events and initiatives aimed at children aged 0 to 18-years-old. The events aim to give every child’s maths skills a magic boost.
Parents can also access guidance and support through the programme to help build numbers and learning into homelife. Parents, caregivers and family members play a vital role in a child’s education. You can support children at home with homework and number-based learning.
Low numeracy skills can disadvantage people later in life and lead to problems such as debt, unemployment and even poor health. Essex Year of Numbers will help people of all ages and backgrounds to improve their numeracy skills and feel confident using maths.
The Essex Year of Numbers Advent competition
We’ve launched our Essex Year of Numbers Advent competition. Children and young people can countdown to Christmas with a sprinkling of maths magic this December. From Sunday 1 December to Tuesday 24 December, we’ll be sharing daily maths questions for children aged 7 to 15-years-old. More information and terms and conditions for the Essex Year of Numbers Advent competition are available online.
Free Festive Trails for all the family
Wrap up warm and explore the free trails at the Essex Country Parks this season. From the Festive Animals Mysteries Trail to the Stick Man tree (and deer) at Weald and The Gruffalo at Thorndon. Enjoy an affordable outing with family and furry friends this December. The trails are running from Saturday 30 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Eco Refill project
Launched in January in collaboration with Pupils Profit, the Eco Refill project enables 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.
Cricket4Numbers
On Monday 10 June 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.
This event shows the ongoing work between Education, Adult Social Care with wider partners to create intergenerational opportunities for young and older people to enjoy creative ways to link to numbers for learning, alongside the wellbeing benefits of social connection across generations and communities through age-friendly activities. Watch Cricket for Numbers participants describe the Cricket4Numbers event.
Everyday Magic of Numbers
The Everyday Magic of Numbers series demonstrates how numbers are used in everyday life. We’ll be sharing videos from key community members, sharing how they use numbers in their profession. Kicking off the series is musician, poet, writer and educator, Christian Foley, with an exciting look at how numbers are used in Shakespeare’s writing. Watch Christian Foley discuss how he use 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.
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.
Download the Essex Year of app from the App Store
Download the Essex Year of app from Google Play
Available support for parents
By helping your child at home, you demonstrate the importance of learning, which makes a huge difference to your child’s progress. There is a range of support available from education settings to libraries.
Your child’s nursery or school is a great source of support. We encourage you to talk to your child’s education setting about embedding numbers into your home life. This can be particularly useful if you are struggling with your child’s homework and need help.
Staff and volunteers at your local library can also offer support with your child’s numeracy. Find your local library online. If you are keen on developing your maths confidence, you can do so with our Multiply programme.
Families can access support from the Nation Numeracy website. The free family maths toolkit provides a range of ideas and free activities to help families enjoy maths together.
If you have any ideas of what you might like to see for Essex Year of Numbers or if you have any questions please email essex.yearofnumbers@essex.gov.uk
