Recent data has underscored the need for action, revealing a concerning trend where girls
in Dorset are falling behind their male counterparts in maths performance.
According to the latest statistics, only 66 per cent of girls achieved the expected standard in maths. This is 6 per cent below the national average.
In contrast, 70 per cent of boys in Dorset met the standard, albeit still trailing the national average by 3 per cent.
Amanda Davis, Corporate Director for Education & Learning said:
“Nationally, girls already face challenges in maths, and we want to do something to support our girls in Dorset.
Although the stats are a worry, evidence shows that we can close the gap with concerted effort.”
“I’m aware of lots of brilliant maths teaching and learning going on in Dorset schools, and we are working together to improve on that great practice.”
“It would be great to see our girls start to imagine themselves as future scientists and mathematicians and I’m certain we can get there.”
In a bid to tackle the gender disparity in maths achievement, Dorset Council is committed to improving maths education for all students, paying special attention to girls who may need extra support in this subject whilst still giving boys all the support they need.
One of the key components of the initiative is providing support to parents to enhance their maths skills so they can support their children better with their learning.
Weymouth College is key to this effort by offering free ‘Multiply’ training to parents who wish to strengthen their own maths proficiency.
This resource is available to any adult residing within the Dorset Council area who did not achieve a grade C (or above) or equivalent in maths.
The 5-week training for parents is flexible, offering both online and in-person options, to meet the diverse needs of parents.
They also have training available for school support staff who didn’t achieve a grade C and would like a boost in their confidence with maths.
Moreover, training has been made available to schools in the county, for those wishing to receive specialised training to help girls perform better in maths.
This targeted support will be conducted throughout the year, emphasising a long-term commitment to narrowing the gender gap in math achievement.
In the coming months, training will also be made available to early years childcare providers.
Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help said;
“We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child in Dorset has the opportunity to excel in mathematics. These statistics are a wake-up call, and we must act swiftly to improve math outcomes across the board.”
Dorset Council encourages parents and schools to actively participate in these programs and work together to ensure that all children have an equal opportunity to excel in mathematics.
If you are a school wanting to know more about training, please contact: sharon.peel@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Parents in the Dorset Council area who would like to sign up to the training can do so by emailing: dta@weymouth.ac.uk
Parents in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area can access Multiply training at Programmes – WREC (wrecltd.co.uk)
