Maths Day at the Sandy Point High ends on high note
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Right~~BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts – THE Mathematics Department of the Sandy Point High School has taken the traditional formal Mathematics education to an extreme, as they celebrate the school’s first ever Maths Day, today (Oct. 31).
All the students, bedecked in their casual attire, have been exposed to an entire day of what the organisers opined is “an eye-opener to the possibilities in Maths” and are all expected to gain more knowledge in the application of the subject. Various exhibitions established around the compound including games, puzzles and even information about careers in Maths were all a part of the fair and provided a new avenue for students to learn.
Department Head and Organiser of the event Ms. Lynda Moving said the initiative serves to sensitise the students to appreciate the many possibilities that are in the area of Mathematics, while at the same time should allow them to have fun in learning. She informed that Mathematics was linked to many different aspects of life to allow students to establish a relationship between the subject and any other area of life.
“We have found that one of the most long-lived problems in teaching Maths is erasing the misconception that the subject is to be feared. Many students, without even trying, do all they can to avoid the subject, which they would ultimately have to know and use. We are aware that it is a new approach, but we really want students to enjoy Maths as we attempt to dispel their negative perceptions.
“By children actually applying some of the ideas and concepts that they learn in their formal classroom settings, they would recognise that Maths can equally be applied in all areas of life. We are living it and they may not even realise it. Through this effort, we hope that the same zeal and passion seen here extends back into the classroom setting.”
Moving explained that although the event has never been attempted before at school, the response of the students was overwhelming and claimed the learning experience a success.
She added that this year’s success is an indication that the event could be held annually to generate students’ awareness and interest in the subject.
