Why are numeracy, statistics and financial literacy so important?
Maths and English are the key languages required for further study, for work and for full participation in everyday life. We all recognise the importance of literacy – the ability to read and write – but less often recognise the importance of numeracy – the ability to use numbers and mathematical concepts in everyday life. Fundamental maths topics, including fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios and simple algebra, are used in almost every profession, not just specialist fields such as science and engineering. Nurses, construction workers, members of the business community, participants in sports, and musicians all use maths concepts, as do parents, teachers, and people in the retail and hospitality sectors.
While GCSE and A levels cover a very broad array of maths concepts, the proficiency level required for even a basic pass is quite low, while a good level of numeracy requires high proficiency over a much smaller range of topics. For example, ask yourself how you would feel about accepting a dose of medicine from a nurse who had achieved just 50% in dosage calculations or engaging a carpenter whose skills at measuring and calculating with fractions were only just at a passing level!
How can I develop my skills in numeracy, statistics and financial literacy?
You can develop your skills in numeracy, statistics and financial literacy using Elevate My Maths, an award-winning online platform designed to support numeracy skills training through a personalised programme of assessments and interactive lessons. Once you have registered for Elevate My Maths you can select a course that applies to the specific skill that you want to develop. The completion of the course will be rewarded with a digital badge that you can share on social media. Either choose from the full list in the page menu, or select one of the following key aspects:
Fundamental numeracy is the ability to work with the properties of numbers and engage in proportional reasoning.
Choose Elevate My Maths course D1 - Numeracy Skills: Fundamentals
Numbers, proportions and applications describes the ability to engage with arithmetic and decimal operations, quantity relationship, exponents and logarithms, ration and proportions, and percentages.
Choose Elevate My Maths course D3 - Numeracy Skills: Numbers, Proportions and Applications
Statistics, data analysis and probabilities is the ability to work with statistics, analyse one- and two-variable data and determine probabilities.
Choose Elevate My Maths course D4 - Numeracy Skills: Statistics, Data Analysis and Probabilities
Algebra and measurement for finance is the ability to engage with basic algebra, graphs and systems of equations, as well as currency conversions.
Choose Elevate My Maths course D7 - Numeracy Skills: Algebra and Measurement for Finance
Financial management is the ability to undertake budgeting, manage debt, engage in saving, trading and investments and understand tax, pensions and mortgages.
Choose Elevate My Maths course D8 - Numeracy Skills: Business and Financial Mathematics