27/07/09
Local Teens Make Maths Count with Business Scheme
Pupils from Newbridge School have been taking part in a scheme which highlights the importance of maths in business, with the help of a local electronics manufacturer.
Newbridge-based contract electronics manufacturer, Axiom Manufacturing Services, hosted a visit from Year 9 pupils at Newbridge School, as part of a Higher Education Funding Council of Wales (HEFCW), funded project.
The University of Birmingham managed project, called ‘Think Maths' is run by MoreMathsGrads and is aimed at encouraging more students to consider maths at degree level by highlighting the importance of maths in the everyday work environment.
The pupils were shown how maths skills are central to Axiom's business, which manufactures printed circuit boards for the defence, industrial, medical and aerospace sectors.
The pupils were shown how maths plays an essential role in the business, through elements such as company accounts and cash-flow, profitability pricing estimates, procurement, and manufacturing timings,
Looking at the maths-related processes used at Axiom, four pupils went on to present their findings at the ‘Think Maths' final in the Millennium Stadium, at which eight Welsh schools participated.
Diane Evans, head of Newbridge School's maths department commented; "This project was really interesting as it showed our pupils the important role maths plays in many workplaces.
"Often pupils can have a negative perception of maths as it can be seen as one of the dryer academic subjects but what they don't realise is that they need maths everywhere, even when shopping and at sports games."
Makhan Singh, project manager for More Maths Grads, added; "After increasing trends of falling interest and passion in the subject, we want to make maths fun again!
"The ‘Think Maths' project aims to show pupils the importance of maths and its applications in a ‘real life' setting and for that reason, we organised school trips to employers as a chance for students to see first hand maths in action.
"The trips have had a positive response, both from schools and employers such as Axiom, who have been very supportive in demonstrating the practicality of maths in the workplace."
David Davies, managing director at Axiom Manufacturing Services concluded; "At Axiom we really believe in helping local our local community and we often host school visits and collaborate with local education providers to encourage interest in careers in manufacturing. The ‘Think Maths' project is an excellent way to highlight the importance of the subject and show how it is relevant to everyday life.
"By helping pupils to realise how maths fits into our business and processes, they are able to see the skills set we require from our employees, and perhaps one day they may want to join our team of technicians!"
