We spoke to Jo to hear all about her incredible achievement, her experience of learning as an adult, and the support she found along the way – including Kirsty, an NHS Numeracy Champion trained through Wiltshire Council’s Multiply initiative.
I used to avoid maths
At school, I couldn’t fully grasp maths. I had average or below-average grades. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t enjoy it. I remember doing times tables with my mum and asking why I needed them, and she said, "When you’re shopping and a housewife." It’s hard to relate to when you’re a child!
As an adult I knew what I needed for my job, but lacked confidence and avoided any other situations where maths was involved.
I wanted to improve my skills so I could help my daughter
In primary school my daughter asked for help with homework, but I didn’t know how. I’d try and look up how to do it, but by then the moment was gone. Her dad would try too – he’s an engineer and comfortable with maths – so he’d try circling things on the page, but she couldn’t understand.
One day I thought, "Right, I’m going to go to college and get to grips with maths." I wanted to know what my daughter would be doing now she’s in Year 9 and approaching GCSEs herself.
Learning as an adult was different from school – you can find what works for you
I signed up at college and really enjoyed it! It was a complete eye-opener. I wish I’d done it years ago! I loved going to class every week. I think being older helped, having life experience and a financial background behind me. And I only had one subject to concentrate on – at school you’ve got lots of other subjects and things that kids go through in life.
When I was at school, if you didn’t understand something in the classroom and your family couldn’t help then you were doomed. You just had to move on. There weren’t any online resources to refer to – no internet!
"When I was at school, if you didn’t understand something in the classroom you were doomed. There are great resources now like the National Numeracy Challenge."
There are great online resources now like the National Numeracy Challenge. A particular website I found useful was Corbettmaths – it suited my learning style . If I missed anything in class I could come home and watch some videos, slow it down, and learn at my own pace. And you can find past papers which really help with exam nerves, to know how questions are structured.
Meanwhile I met Kirsty, a trained Numeracy Champion in the NHS
We had both moved to a new location at work and were signing up for work passes, and while chatting I found out she was a Numeracy Champion. I was a bit embarrassed about the fact that I was doing my GCSE; I didn't tell many people at work. But I told Kirsty, and she was elated! Every time she came in we would chat, and if I had any questions about maths she was always there, giving me her time and moral support.
“She was always there, giving me her time and moral support.”
Kirsty mentioned the National Numeracy Challenge and I signed up – it was useful as it mirrored the past papers in the GCSE, but gave a different element and format.
She was really interested in my journey, through to my exam, so it was nice to have her to talk to about maths and just be a bit nerdy with!
When I found out I passed my GCSE I was so happy – I still get emotional talking about it
I took the Foundation paper as the college didn’t offer the higher level, and they were aiming for everyone to get a grade 4. A month before the exam I started to think, "Maybe I could do it…maybe I could get a 5." But I couldn’t say it out loud, not even to my tutor.
“When we sat the first exam my heart was beating so fast, I was so nervous.”
When we sat the first exam my heart was beating so fast, I was so nervous. The quiet exam room, with people tapping, all these noises going on – it was horrible. I came home and cried, convinced I didn’t do well. It wasn’t so bad for the second exam; I got used to the environment and did my best.
When I got my results, I asked my daughter to read them, thinking "As long as I get a grade 4, that’s fine." She went "Oh Mum, you’ve got a 3… No you haven’t, you’ve got a 5, I was just kidding!" I was so happy!
It’s given me more confidence – and I can now help my daughter
I used to shut down with maths, but now I don’t. I’ll watch quiz shows on TV, and if a maths question comes up I’ll work out the answer and shout it out, and everyone’s so surprised!
There have been situations where my daughter has said she can’t do something, and I can casually show her how, without having to look it up or come back to her in an hour. There are no arguments or tears, and she might not have even noticed that I helped her, but it’s such a nice feeling.
“There are no arguments or tears, and she might not have even noticed that I helped her, but it’s such a nice feeling.”
One time she came home and said she wasn’t sure about "The x and y thing" – so I asked her teacher to send me the worksheet and we talked it through. She went, "Is that it?" She’d thought it was complex, but I could explain in a way she understood. And now that I’ve been through the exam myself, I know what she’ll need when hers come.
I’ve just applied for a new job and had to go through the application process, and the qualifications that they're interested in are Maths and English, going way back to GCSE. So, I put my new grade!
Managing my money is easier too
I received a utility bill, and saw it was going to increase by a percentage. I was proud that I was able to convert that percentage to a monetary value. Before I would’ve avoided that, but I was able to work out the exact impact it will have. It made it real.
I now feel excited and empowered by maths – it’s all around you
I’m on the verge of saying it’s quite fun! Maths is everything, not just on a calculator. I met with Kirsty recently and said "I’m really missing it! I miss those Thursdays and going along and learning!" There were times it was hard, but I do really miss it. I might get some apps or puzzle books just so I can keep it fresh.
“I hope I don’t forget what I’ve learnt – but I know that if I do, I only have to pick up a book and remind myself.”
I hope I don’t forget what I’ve learnt – but I know that if I do, I only have to pick up a book and remind myself. I won’t have to go right the way back.
If you’re thinking about building your skills, just do it
I’ve said this to friends. If you’re not confident with maths, just do it. It’s been really positive and shifted things around for me. And I have more conversations about maths with my daughter which I’d have not had before.
