Bridging the Maths Education Gap In SA

Half of South Africa’s current Maths educators will retire in the next five years, and not enough graduates are emerging to bridge that gap.

A Maths education crisis is looming in South Africa. Over half of the country’s qualified Maths educators are approaching retirement. This will place a significant strain on those who remain, burdened by additional demand, a lack of resources, and overcrowded classrooms.

Understanding The Problem

• Over 50% of our current Mathematics teachers will retire by 2030

• Less than 20% of matric learners are signing up for B.Ed degrees

• Between 2017 and 2023, only half of matric learners passed Mathematics

• Students enrolled in B.Ed programmes scored lower than 55% on primary school Maths tests

The issue permeates Mathematics education from multiple angles. Not only is there a looming shortage of qualified teachers, but there is also a problem with the quality of Mathematics teaching at both school and university levels. This is compounded by the fact that the small number of matriculants who are studying education are struggling to perform well in Mathematics, scoring less than 55% on primary school Maths tests in one assessment.

The state of Mathematics teaching and learning in South Africa is hugely concerning. Producing matriculants and educators who are proficient in this crucial subject is vital. As South Africa’s government apparatus grapples with this problem, solutions from other sectors are emerging to address the crisis. With ed-tech creating a significant impact on education globally, online learning platforms offer immense promise for South Africa. 

Neo Series as a Solution

Advantage Learn developed the Neo Series platform, an online learning solution, to tackle South Africa’s education challenge head-on. The Neo Series offers a blended learning model that combines digital and physical resources, addressing the teacher shortage issue and improving Maths performance among learners. Eight out of 10 Neo Series learners experience a 15-20% increase in their Maths results! 

The platform offers several key features, including:

• An interconnected text and digital resources combo: Whether learners use a digital or hard copy version of the textbook, it is thoughtfully linked with corresponding online resources, allowing learners to transition between formats effortlessly. This flexibility supports diverse learning environments, be it in-person, remote, or hybrid settings.

• A premium online campus: Enter a dynamic online campus filled with expertly developed video lessons, challenging quizzes, and curriculum-aligned materials. This centralised platform empowers students to learn at their own pace and provides teachers with tools to monitor progress and tailor instruction effectively.

• Engaging teaching videos: Our teaching videos feature educators on-screen, fostering a more personal and engaging learning experience. This enhances student connection to the material, making complex mathematical concepts more accessible and relatable.

• Downloadable worksheets and memos: Access a vast collection of curriculum-aligned, downloadable worksheets and memos. These resources empower students to practice and reinforce their understanding while providing teachers with ready-to-use materials to support instruction.

Neo Series is designed to tackle the core challenges of Maths education in South Africa by offering a comprehensive learning solution tailored to the needs of educators and learners. With over 2,000 video lessons and 700+ practice questions and worksheets, the platform provides curriculum-aligned resources that support CAPS, IEB, and Cambridge curricula. This extensive repository allows teachers to deliver high-quality instruction without the added burden of creating materials from scratch.​

Moreover, the platform’s design facilitates active learning both inside and outside the classroom, enabling students to learn at their own pace. By integrating these features, the Neo Series alleviates the pressure on overburdened teachers and empowers students to improve their mathematical proficiency.​ Neo Series is a scalable and effective tool in bridging the educational gap, aligning with South Africa’s broader goals of enhancing mathematics education and addressing challenges within the sector.

Ready to Sign Up?

Whether you are a learner or an educator, Neo Series is available to you. Visit our website to find out more or get started on the platform today.

Additional Resources