Latest news with #maths
RNZ News
7 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
More students passing maths and reading, fewer in writing
Photo: 123RF Pass rates improved in crucial NCEA maths and reading tests held in May, but there was a slight slip in the number of teenagers passing the writing test. Students cannot receive any NCEA qualifications until they achieve the literacy and numeracy corequisite by passing all three online tests, or - until the end of 2027 - completing 20 alternative credits . The tests are offered twice a year, with the next round scheduled for the first two weeks of September. Education Minister Erica Stanford said the success rate for reading in the May tests was 61 percent, up from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) reported figure of 59 percent for the same testing period last year. Stanford said the maths pass rate was 57 percent, a jump from the 46 percent NZQA reported for last year's May round of tests. She said 55 percent passed the writing test. Last year it was 56 percent. The pass rates would almost certainly increase after students attempted in the September round of tests the tests they failed in May. Last year , overall achievement rates after both rounds of testing were about 10 percentage points higher than the May pass rates. Erica Stanford speaking at a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: Samuel Rillstone / RNZ Stanford said the May results showed more than two-thirds of Year 10 students attempting the tests were successful. In addition, most Year 12s who sat the tests in May passed. "More than half of this year's Year 12 students who did not meet the co-requisite while in Year 11 last year have now achieved it - and around a third of these students will now be awarded NCEA level 1. This takes the pass rate for NCEA level 1 in 2024 from 71.5 percent to 79.6 percent." Stanford said results for students from low-decile schools improved a lot in numeracy and reading - 34 percent passed the numeracy assessment compared to 20 percent at the same time last year. In reading, 41 percent passed, compared to 34 percent last "The government's $2.2 million investment in 2024 to provide targeted support to students in 141 lower decile schools has resulted in more students achieving assessments," she said. "While these results are positive, there are still too many students who don't have the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills they need to thrive. That's why this government is unapologetically reforming the education system to prioritise improving student outcomes. "As our back-to-basics approach beds in, more children will be better equipped when taking these assessments in the future." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Mail & Guardian
12-07-2025
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
From rules to results: How to make maths and programming easier
Picture it: An example of a visual learning wall used to reinforce logic-based subject rules. It's no secret that maths, programming and other logic-based subjects feel like a mountain climb for many students. Meanwhile, subjects like English and life orientation feel more like a gentle stroll. Why is that? Are some people just 'not wired' for logic? Or is there something deeper — and fixable — at play? South Africa's own numbers raise the alarm. In the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study study, grade nine learners were among the lowest-performing in maths globally. Only around a third of matric students register for pure maths — and even fewer achieve strong marks. Many university students continue to struggle with first-year logic-heavy subjects such as maths, programming and physics, despite performing reasonably well in high school. There's clearly a disconnect between how these subjects are taught and how they need to be learned. Let's unpack that. Here's the real problem — we teach what to learn but rarely how to learn. In text-based subjects, you can often get by through memorisation — even if understanding is minimal. But in logical subjects, there's no shortcut. You can't fake solving an equation or writing a function — you either get it or you don't. That's where the method matters. Step 1: Learn the rules and make It visual All logic-based subjects — whether maths, physics or programming — run on rules. But rules are only useful if they're internalised. Try this: Write down key rules (eg the distributive property, coding syntax structures) on coloured cards or sticky notes. Use different felt-tip pens — colour-code different categories (blue for algebra, green for loops, red for errors, etc). Stick these notes visibly on a wall or cupboard. Keep adding to this visual board over time. What this does is transform passive reading into active engagement. It's fun. It's visual. And it becomes a regular reminder every time you walk into the room. Step 2: Practise, practise, practise Once the rules are up, you're not done. In fact, that's where the real work begins. Logical subjects demand repetition. Think of it like preparing for a driver's licence: You study the rules (theory); You write a test on them; and Then you practise behind the wheel until it becomes second nature. Likewise, once you know the math laws or code syntax, you must apply them. Don't just glance at solved problems — do them. Over and over. With pen and paper. From textbooks, worksheets, online study guides and past papers. Try coding small apps or solving the same equation using different methods. The goal is to go from 'understanding in theory' to 'I can do this without thinking.' Text-heavy subjects often reward surface learning. Even if you don't fully grasp the material, you can memorise quotes or definitions and recall them in an exam. That taps into what psychologists call System 1 thinking — the brain's fast, intuitive, automatic mode. But logic-based subjects demand System 2 thinking — slow, effortful, rule-based reasoning. It takes time, patience and consistency. No shortcuts. That doesn't make them harder — it just makes them different. Studies in neuroscience suggest that logical reasoning primarily engages the left hemisphere of the brain, responsible for analytical and sequential thinking. In contrast, the right hemisphere is more involved in creative, verbal and emotional processing. This doesn't mean people are 'left-brained' or 'right-brained' — we use both sides. But it does explain why some students thrive in writing essays and others in debugging code. And it's also why cross-training your brain by using visual tools, verbal reinforcement and kinesthetic practice (like writing by hand) can make logical learning easier for everyone. Let's stop saying, 'I'm just not a maths person.' Instead, let's teach people how to learn logic the right way. Learn the rules, visually and actively; practise them consistently and treat it like a skill just like driving or playing a musical instrument. Because, once you unlock that process, you don't just succeed in school — you gain tools that help you reason, analyse and solve problems in every part of life. Dr Zakia Salod is a medical AI research scientist, software developer, artist and philanthropist. Salod is also a Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2024 alumni, a youth leader and multi-awarded STEMI advocate in South Africa.
South China Morning Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Robinhood CEO's AI maths start-up valued at US$875 million, just shy of unicorn status
Harmonic AI, an artificial intelligence start-up co-founded by Robinhood Markets chief executive officer Vlad Tenev, has raised US$100 million in funding to tackle a problem that has sometimes confounded AI models: maths. The series B funding round was led by Kleiner Perkins, with participation from Sequoia Capital, Index Ventures and Paradigm. The deal valued the AI start-up at US$875 million, said Tenev, who serves as the company's executive chairman, a non-operating role. Harmonic's CEO is Tudor Achim, who previously led autonomous driving start-up Founded in 2023 by Tenev and Achim, the Palo Alto, California-based start-up aims to build AI systems that can solve complex maths problems, creating what the company refers to as mathematical superintelligence. Harmonic plans to make its flagship AI model, Aristotle, available to researchers and the general public later this year. 'The near-term goal is to build an AI that solves maths problems at a level that is superior to any human,' Tenev said. 'The ultimate goal would be to solve major unsolved mathematical problems and expand that to problems in physics and computer science.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zoe Ball set for new TV role just weeks after returning to BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball is set to make a return to TV alongside her dad Johnny Ball and son Woody Cook. Ball returned to BBC Radio 2 in May after stepping down from her breakfast show in December 2024. She also hosted TV special VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on May 8. Scott Mills (left) replaced Zoe Ball (right) on BBC Radio 2's breakfast show. (Image: James Manning/PA Wire) Now it appears Ball has landed another TV role. The 54-year-old could be set to star on a new factual series about maths, created by her father Johnny Ball, according The Sun. The new show would tell the story behind 'the history of maths' and is based on the first six chapters of his book - Wonders Beyond Numbers. Zoe and Johnny Ball would team up to host the show along with Zoe's son Woody Cook. Johnny Ball, speaking to The Sun, said: 'The material can be honed down to the essentials, so that anyone could present it in a light and transparent way. 'This is why I believe myself, Zoe and my grandson Woody could add all what each age group requires to make it a fascinating and revealing series.' A channel for this untitled show is yet to be decided, with Johnny hoping to convince TV bosses to commission the series, admitting having Zoe on board is a 'big pull'. Zoe and son Woody have appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox before, but this would be the first time three generations of Ball have appeared on air together. Zoe Ball announced she was quitting her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show role in December last year, and was eventually replaced early in 2025 by Scott Mills. She had been in the role for six years, but said it was time to step away so she could "focus on family". Ball, at the time, added: "It's been a privilege. I think the world of you listeners and I'm grateful to my bosses here for their support, especially this year." It came after a tough 2024 for the radio presenter who was forced to take time away from BBC Radio 2 after her mother, Julia, was "heartbreakingly" diagnosed with cancer before succumbing to the disease in April. RECOMMENDED READING: Zoe Ball returns to BBC Radio 2 after quitting the Breakfast Show 4 months ago Zoe Ball is in 'a good place' after quitting BBC Radio 2 breakfast show Zoe Ball to star in popular BBC TV series following Radio 2 return, reports say However, Ball returned to Radio 2 on May 3 with a brand new show. She now goes to air once a week from 1pm to 3pm on Saturdays, having replaced Mark Goodier's Pick Of The Pops, which has moved to Sundays. You can listen to Zoe Ball every Saturday from 1pm to 3pm on BBC Radio 2.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Zoe Ball is set to 'share a rare insight into her life in surprise new TV gig featuring three generations of her family'
Zoe Ball has reportedly been eyeing up a return to TV and the surprise gig could be a family affair. The Radio 2 DJ's famous presenter father Johnny Ball, 87, is said to have created a new educational series - and he wants his daughter to front it. Johnny is known for popularising mathematics and The Sun has reported his new show will focus on the history of the subject. The show will feature Johnny, 87, his daughter Zoe, 54, and his DJ grandson Woody Cook, 24, and to complement the family hosting it will look at the history of maths across three generations. Johnny is said to be so invested in the series, he rejected the opportunity for him, Zoe and Woody to compete as a trio on Celebrity Race Across The World. It will be the second time Zoe appears on screen with her son Woody, who she shares with her ex-husband Fat Boy Slim, after they did Gogglebox together. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Her father's maths show is reportedly based on the first six chapters of his book, Wonders Beyond Numbers. Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'The material can be honed down to the essentials, so that anyone could present it in a light and transparent way. 'This is why I believe myself, Zoe and my grandson Woody could add all what each age group requires to make it a fascinating and revealing series.' It comes after last week Zoe revealed she was suffering from a new health condition, shortly after after making her Radio 2 comeback. She gave her listeners an update on her wellbeing as she spoke on her show and revealed she has been diagnosed with bursitis. Bursitis is when the fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the joints have become painful and swollen. It comes after last year she revealed she had been battling another painful health condition - TMJ (temporomandibular joint) - after announcing her departure from her Breakfast Show host role. At the time she said she was quitting her breakfast show to 'focus on family' and then also had to face the health condition which causes bad headaches. Speaking about her bursitis this weekend on her show she said: 'Yes, it's come to that. Fifty-four and I got bursitis.' Despite the pain she has still been training with her personal coach, Seth, in a bid to improve her strength. 'Thank you to Seth,' she said on the show. 'I found out I've got a… what is it? A rating of… was it a four or five on the fitness level? 'I was quite impressed with myself - out of, I think it's nine or ten. You've gotta start somewhere, haven't you?'. Zoe returned to her new Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 2 in early May after previously taking a step back to focus on time with her family. The star stepped down from her breakfast show in December to 'focus on her family,' bidding farewell to her £950,000 salary. Reconnecting with her listeners she announced: 'Hello it's me, oh it's lovely to be back on a Saturday. 'This is where it all began for me back when I used to sweep up and make the teas.' Happy to see the star's return, a viewer wrote: 'Great to have you back, Saturday afternoon is much better than having to wake up early.' She proceeded to read out some other well wishes she then added: 'It is lovely to be here thanks for all your messages'. After six years at the helm, Zoe handed her BBC Radio 2 breakfast show over to Scott Mills after stepping down to 'focus on family' just months after her mother Julia's death in April. Then in February, Radio 2 officially announced programme changes, including a new weekly show with Zoe (1-3pm on Saturdays). She will also be hosting two specials, including a BBC TV show celebrating Elaine Paige's 60-year career in showbusiness. Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said at the time: 'Zoe is one of the UK's most loved presenters, so I'm thrilled to announce that she has a new home on Radio 2 on Saturday lunchtimes.
