For over 25 years ORIGO Education’s mission has been to make mathematics meaningful, enjoyable and accessible for all.
Led by founders James Burnett and Dr Calvin Irons, ORIGO Education is at the forefront of mathematics education and understands the importance of producing classroom programs that create a positive educational experience for children.
“Children don’t hate mathematics, they hate the anxiety that comes with not understanding mathematics,” says James.
“To make mathematics fun, you have to help children understand the content, and furthermore, recognise the long-term benefits in making mathematics enjoyable and meaningful from an early age.”
A study conducted by Western Sydney University and led by Nathan Berger, Erin Mackenie and Kathryn Holme, found that a positive attitude towards mathematics and science is mutually beneficial for student achievement.
The study, The Mutual Benefit of Mathematics & Science Attitudes, analysed data from more than 10,000 Australian students and found that students who have a positive outlook on mathematics have higher confidence in their abilities and higher academic success through both primary and secondary years. In fact, students with the highest achievements in mathematics were described as “very enthusiastic” towards the subjects, with 66 per cent achieving results at a high or advanced level.
The authors of the study said the findings provided insights for educators at a time where the number of students opting to study mathematics in their senior secondary years was steadily decreasing.
They went on to say that economic projections indicate that careers in fields that integrate mathematics and related studies will be increasingly prevalent in the 21st century and it is crucial for educators to understand the mutual benefit of positive attitudes towards these subjects.
“ORIGO Education has long been an advocate for the importance of building on student’s natural ability to develop understanding and promote a positive learning environment,” says James.
“Providing students with the right mathematics program from an early age will allow them to develop strong thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as well as genuine enthusiasm for the subject. It also provides them with the fundamental tools to grow into productive, innovative and confident members of society.”
ORIGO’s award winning program Stepping Stones is a comprehensive program for Years F to 6 that brings conceptual understanding of mathematics to the forefront of teaching and learning. Stepping Stones is a program designed in the interest of both the student and the teacher, and one which promotes and supports a positive attitude towards mathematics from an early age.