1 Book 1 Learner

Itireleng Primary School, eMalahleni, Mpumalanga

AON BACKING BETTER MATHS OUTCOMES AT ITIRELENG PRIMARY SCHOOL

We are very excited to share in more depth on our first intervention at Itireleng Primary School. Following the completion of our due diligence and assessment phase, we successfully conducted our first round of interventions at the school between 29–30 January 2026, with additional online training sessions for two new Maths teachers taking place on 17–18 March 2026. This marked the official launch of the programme on the ground, and the results so far have been encouraging.

In partnership with AON, the initiative brought together 3 Maths teachers and 62 Grade 6 learners, laying a strong foundation for improved Maths understanding and performance. The intervention focused on both teacher development and learner support. Teachers participated in specialised seminars designed to equip them with practical tools to improve how Maths concepts are taught and understood in the classroom. Additional online training was also provided to further support teacher development beyond the initial in-person sessions.

Learners have already begun participating in the Grade R Correction Programme through structured extramural clubs designed to reinforce and extend classroom learning. Within these sessions, learners actively use the My Maths Buddy dictionary to build a stronger understanding of key Maths language and concepts, helping them make sense of what they are learning rather than relying on memorisation. At the same time, these clubs provide teachers with a practical platform to apply and reinforce the teaching strategies introduced during their training, ensuring consistency between theory and classroom practice.

To further deepen understanding, teachers are equipped with demonstration kits that bring abstract Maths concepts to life. By allowing learners to physically see and interact with representations of mass and other key ideas, the programme reduces reliance on imagination and supports more concrete, meaningful learning experiences. This hands-on approach strengthens comprehension, builds confidence, and helps close foundational gaps more effectively.

The enthusiasm from learners was equally inspiring. Every learner received their My Maths Buddy learner kit and the feedback collected after the workshops showed strong engagement and motivation. 95% of learners said they are excited to learn more about Maths, while 100% expressed interest in joining the My Maths Buddy Club, participating in Maths competitions, and taking part in fun learning activities that include games and prizes. Many learners shared that learning new Maths words was one of the most valuable parts of the workshop, reinforcing how important Maths language is in building real understanding.

During the first intervention, learners took part in three interactive workshops focused on building their understanding of key Maths concepts and language. Feedback showed overwhelmingly positive results, with 100% of learners learning how to use the My Maths Buddy dictionary, planning to use it in their studies and expressing interest in joining the My Maths Buddy Club.

The sessions had a strong impact on understanding, with 85% of learners highlighting Maths vocabulary as their biggest takeaway and confidently recalling key terms such as fractions, place value, and ratio. Learners also recognised the importance of Maths in achieving their future career goals with 100% agreeing it will support their success.

Overall, the feedback reflects high engagement, improved comprehension and a clear shift towards understanding Maths as a tool for future success.

We are truly grateful for our continued partnership with AON and inspired by the impact we are building together. As we keep strengthening Maths understanding and confidence, we are encouraged by the positive progress already visible in classrooms. Even more exciting is the journey ahead and we look forward to sharing the continued growth and results as this partnership deepens and expands.

Join us in our mission to improve standards in Maths education in South Africa