A girl in England needed to raise £40 000 to study her dream 4-year degree in Mathematics at Warwick University, so she decided to set up a GoFundMe page to raise money.

People began donating generously to help the star learner from East London getting the funds needed.

Taylor Swift read about this and, being the generous Taylor Swift, decided to help the learner follow her dream. She donated £23 000!

To bring this story closer to home, let’s see how much £23 000 is in South African Rand. At the time of writing this article, the Rand/Pound exchange rate was 23,77. This means that in South African Rand, Taylor Swift donated R546 710 towards this important degree.

If you are interested in how to work with exchange rates and to improve your Mathematics marks in general, YouCanDoMaths has some very good Videos, Notes and Tests on the full Maths syllabus for grades 7 to 12. Register today!

YouCanDoMaths has joined forces with Izibalo NPC to bring affordable private extra Mathematics lessons to rural and township learners in the Eastern Cape. The lessons take place in sponsor branded container classrooms called Maths Pods. These are located inside a school ground to allow easy access and a secure environment for up to 100 learners to learn. Each Maths Pod contains the necessary furniture, laptops, internet and security to cater for a maximum of 24 learners per hour. The Pods are solar powered and include ablution facilities.

The mission of Izibalo is to boost the number of learners taking pure mathematics in grades 10, 11 and 12. This will allow the learners to obtain a more meaningful grade 12 certificate thereby opening many more career paths in the future.

In addition to the above, Izibalo NPC will be training unemployed youth between the ages of 25 and 35 years to be Maths tutors. These candidates will need a minimum grade 12 Maths pass and will ultimately be enrolled at an institution of higher learning to study a Maths education course.

The plan is to roll out 3 Maths Pods during 2024 and 10 by 2026.

For more info or to donate, contact:

Lynn Glover:     Cell: 082 970 2427  or Email: lynn@izibalo.africa

Edumisa Mtoli:   Cell: 076 3323 618 or Email: edumisa@izibalo.africa

Listen to the podcast.

Copy and paste this link:

https://www.702.co.za/podcasts/629/afternoons-with-relebogile-mabotja/590540/south-african-maths-crisis

Van die ongeveer 600 000 kandidate wat in 2020 matriek geskryf het, het ‘n skamele 5,3% leerders 60% of meer vir wiskunde behaal. Met ‘n slaagsyfer van slegs 30%  –  wat deur net 125 526 leerders behaal is –  kan ons duidelik sien dat wiskunde in ‘n krisis is. Wiskunde is ‘n intreevak vir hoëronderwys en beroepsmoontlikhede wat belangrik is vir enige land se ekonomiese ontwikkeling en groei. Ons sal nog moet sien of 2021 se matriekuitslae enigsins beter is.

Hoekom is daar soveel leerders wat met wiskunde sukkel en dan dikwels eerder wiskundige geletterheid neem as ‘n “makliker alternatief”, wat hul opsies vir beroeps- en studiemoontlikhede aansienlik verminder? Volgens Gerda Van der Merwe van die aanlynplatform YouCanDoMaths, wat wiskundeklasse aanlyn aanbied, is daar verskeie mites rondom wiskunde sowel as swak gewoontes wat verhoed dat leerlinge met hoër punte slaag. Gelukkig kan hierdie krisis met die regte ondersteuning en hulp die hoof gebied word.

“Die feit is dat om goed in wiskunde te doen, moet leerders hard oefen en, nie net gedurende eksamentye nie. Deur slegs wiskundeklasse by die skool by te woon bied meestal nie genoeg tyd aan leerders om sleutelbegrippe te verstaan nie. Groot klasse beteken ook minder onderwyser-leerder tyd en ongelukkig het die pandemie klastyd en toegang tot onderwysers verder beperk. Talle leerders sal baat vind by ekstra tyd om lesse en belangrike konsepte te hersien, teen hul eie pas”, sê Van der Merwe.

YouCanDoMaths wat nou 10 jaar oud is, het reeds meer as 17 000 leerders van graad 7 tot 12 gehelp. Hierdie bekostigbare aanlynplatform vir wiskunde gebruik leermateriaal in beide Afrikaans en Engels. Die lesse wat uit onderrigvideo’s, notas en meertallige toetse met uitgewerkte antwoorde bestaan, is ten volle inlyn met die KABV (CAPS)-kurrikulum vir die Nasionale Senior Sertifikaat en die Onafhanklike Eksamenraad (IEB).

“Ons is nou behoorlik in die vierde industriële revolusie (4IR) en leerders wat vandag matriek skryf, sal kodering, robotika, kunsmatige intelligensie (KI) en gevorderde tegnologie goed onder die knie moet hê. Hierdie leerareas is almal gebou op die wiskundige beginsels van differensiaalrekening (calculus), statistiek en algebra. Leerders wat nie wiskunde goed slaag nie, mag in die toekoms ’n groot agterstand hê”, sê Van der Merwe.

Suid-Afrika se hoë werkloosheidsyfer skets glad nie ‘n rooskleurige prentjie nie. ’n Fokus op die verbetering van wiskundevaardighede sal nie die probleem oplos nie, maar kan beslis help. Om dit in perspektief te stel, teen hierdie jaar (2022) sal 75 miljoen werkgeleenthede nie meer bestaan nie en deur 133 miljoen nuwe soorte werkgeleendhede, met wiskunde as kern, vervang word.

“Wiskundevaardighede raak net al hoe gesogter soos wat die vierde industriële revolusie (4IR) vorder en ons as land kan doodeenvoudig nie aan die vraag voldoen nie”, sê Van der Merwe.

“Onderwys is ’n proses, nie ’n eenmalige gebeurtenis nie. Dít is veral waar van wiskunde, ’n vak wat voortdurend bou op kennis wat die leerder in vorige jare geleer het en waar leerders tyd nodig het om konsepte in te neem en te bemeester. Jy KAN wiskunde doen, maar moenie bykomende hulp tot op die laaste nippertjie uitstel nie. Die gholflegende Gary Player het eens oor sy sukses gesê, “The more I practice the luckier I get.” Dít is ook waar van wiskunde: hoe harder jy oefen hoe beter sal jy vaar. 

Dis die begin van ’n nuwe skooljaar en ouers én leerders word aangemoedig om te verstaan hoe belangrik dit is dat leerders wiskunde van die begin onder die knie kry en slaag met ’n punt wat veel hoër as die minimum van 30% is. Dié minimum sal hulle beslis nie toelating tot ‘n universiteit of ‘n tersiêre instelling van hulle keuse gee nie.”

“Natuurlik is almal nie wiskundig aangelê nie, maar YouCanDoMaths se aanlyn-lesse kan beslis jou kind se wiskundevaardighede verbeter. Leerders werk tuis, teen hul eie pas en doen lesse wat presies in lyn is met dít wat hulle in die klaskamer leer. Verder, meeste mense is onder die indruk dat ekstra wiskundelesse geweldig duur is; YouCanDoMaths maak lesse bekostigbaar omdat die basiese maandelikse tariewe dieselfde is as die standaard uurlikse tariewe wat talle verskaffers van ekstra lesse hef.

Skole en sentrums wat privaat lesse gee, kan ook leerders grootmaat  teen ’n verlaagde tarief inskryf. Onderwysers en tutors kan hul klasse registreer en toegang verkry tot al hulle leerders se vorderingsverslae.”

Met 10 jaar agter die rug, is YouCanDoMaths ‘n betroubare aanlyn-organisasie wat reeds duisende leerlinge ’n beter begrip van wiskunde help ontwikkel het.

Vir meer inligthing, pryse en om te registreer vir onmiddelike toegang, besoek www.youcandomaths.co.za.

Amongst the close to 600 000 candidates who wrote matric in 2020, a meagre 5,3% scored 60% or more for maths. Given that the required pass rate is just 30% - something that only 125 526 candidates achieved – maths is in crisis as it is a gateway subject for higher education and career options which are vital for any country’s economic development and growth. It remains to be seen whether the 2021 results will be any better.

Why are so many learners grappling with maths, often turning to maths literacy as an “easier option”, which limits their study and vocation options? According to Gerda van der Merwe from the online Maths tutoring platform, YouCanDoMaths, there are various myths surrounding maths as well as poor practices that affect a learner’s ability to pass with higher marks. Fortunately, this can be rectified with the correct support and help. 

“The truth is that to do well at maths, learners need to practice and, not just at exam times. Attending only maths classes at school is often not enough time for most learners to grasp key concepts. Big classes mean less teacher-learner time and unfortunately the pandemic has resulted in even less class time which further impacted learners’ access to teachers. Many would benefit from extra time to revise lessons and absorb key theories at their own pace,” says Van der Merwe.

Now 10 years old, YouCanDoMaths has taught over 17 000 learners, from grades 7 to 12. This affordable online maths tutoring platform uses teaching materials in both English and Afrikaans. Its lessons, which consist of teaching videos, notes and multiple tests with worked out answers, are fully aligned to the CAPS curriculum for NSC and IEB. 

“We are now well and truly in the 4IR (fourth industrial revolution) and learners who graduate from high school today will be required to have a firm grip on coding, robotics, AI (artificial intelligence) and advanced technologies. These learning areas are all fundamentally built on mathematical principles such as calculus, statistics and algebra. Without a good maths pass, learners can have a major disadvantage down the road,” says Van Der Merwe.

With unemployment figures shooting through the roof in South Africa, this is not a rosy picture. But while it cannot be addressed in totality through a focus on enhanced maths skills development at schools, it can certainly help. To put this in perspective, by this year alone (2022) more than 75-million jobs will have disappeared and will be replaced by 133-million new types of jobs. Maths is often at the heart of the latter. 

“Skills in mathematics are going to be more in demand than ever going into the 4IR, but we as a country are simply not ready to meet the demand,” says Van Der Merwe. 

“Education is a process, not an event. This is particularly true with maths as it is a subject which builds on previous knowledge and learners need time to absorb and reinforce concepts. You CAN do maths, but don’t leave it until the 11^th hour to get help,” says Van Der Merwe. “As the world-famous golf player Gary Player once said of his successes, ‘The more I practice the luckier I get’. The same is true for maths; the harder you practice the better you will do.” 

As we start the New Year, parents and learners alike are encouraged to understand the gravity of getting maths right from the start in order to pass with far more than the minimum rate of 30%. This minimum will not guarantee them a place at a university or any other tertiary education institution of their choice. 

“Of course, not everyone is entirely maths-geared, but the YouCanDoMaths online tutoring has proven to be an effective way to increase your child’s prowess. Learners do lessons related exactly to what they learn in school, at times that work best for them and at their own pace. Further, there are perceptions that extra maths lessons are expensive; YouCanDoMaths makes learning more cost-effective as basic monthly rates are equivalent to the standard hourly rates charged by many suppliers of extra maths.

Schools and tutor centres also have the opportunity to buy subscriptions in bulk at a reduced cost. Teachers and tutors can register their classes and have access to the progress reports of all of their learners.”

With 10 years under its belt, YouCanDoMaths is a leading and trusted online institution that has helped thousands of learners gain a better understanding of maths.

For more information, prices and to register for immediate access, visit www.youcandomaths.co.za. 

YouCanDoMaths is happy to announce that a new upgraded website was launched on 20 June 2021. The new website is written using the latest coding and runs on a stronger (which also means faster) server.

Apart from the new homepage and a more modern dashboard area for clients, we have also changed the number of grades a learner can have access to.

Previously all learners had access to all the grades, but unfortunately the system was abused by some clients. We have decided to change this and only give the learner access to his/her current grade and one grade below, except of course for grade 7. This means that learners can still plug possible gaps from the previous grade.

When a client’s profile is active, the grade cannot be changed. However, you can email us to do this if required. A grade can be changed when renewing a subscription and will automatically change to the next grade at the end of the year.

The team at YouCanDoMaths still has no doubt that the website is still the best online extra maths program on the internet and remember . . . with a positive attitude and hard work, you CAN do maths!

As from 9 March 2021, YouCanDoMaths had to register for VAT.

This is a bittersweet milestone for us, because it means that our program is becoming more and more popular and our numbers are growing all the time  . . . but on the other hand, this means an unfortunate increase of 15%  in our prices.

As you are probably aware, we have no choice in this matter and the 15% will go directly to SARS.

It is however worth noting that we have tried to keep our price increases as low as possible over the years. 

We believe that, even with VAT added, YouCanDoMaths still offers an excellent product at a very affordable rate!

It is essential that there are no gaps when learning Mathematics. To help learners and parents during school shut downs, we are slashing our one month subscription fee by 50% . . . from R270 to R135. The offer is valid until 18 April 2020*, for now.

This will allow learners to use the extended holiday to keep up with their maths and if necessary, to fill gaps from previous years.

To register, parents or guardians need to visit our website https://www.youcandomaths.co.za/register

If companies or corporates would like to join us and sponsor learners to use YCDM free of charge, they can contact us at info@youcandomaths.co.za to buy voucher numbers, which can then be used to register with.

We also call on data providers to make data cheaper to learners using YCDM and other educational websites.

YouCanDoMaths is fully CAPS aligned (for NSC and IEB) and offers the complete SA curriculum from grades 7 to 12, with more than 600 structured and user friendly lessons. Each lesson consists of a teaching video, notes and a computer marked test with fully worked out answers. The complete program is available in both English and Afrikaans.

And finally, we challenge other service providers to also cut their prices by 50%!  

* We extended this offer until 26 May 2020. From 27 May 2020 we offer a 30% discount until further notice.

Learners and their parents often wonder why children don't excel at maths. YouCanDoMaths looks at a few misconceptions and gives you straight answers.

Myth: Those who do well in maths have a special ability.
Fact: Most learners who do well do not have a special ability. Like reading, the majority of people are born with some ability to do maths. They do well because they have the correct attitude and are prepared to work at it. If you fail a test or exam it does not mean you are a failure. However, if you give up trying, then you have failed. So remember, even if you think you do not have a special ability to do maths, you can do maths! It is all about constant hard work.

Myth: Extra maths lessons are very expensive.
Fact: This is often true, but there are affordable options on the internet which offer very good help, like YouCanDoMaths. Our program  allows learners to work in a non-threatening environment and most importantly, at their own pace. You must just use it regularly.

Myth: Maths is not important for the career I want to do.
Fact: This is often used as an excuse to give up maths. The truth is that many people change their minds later in life and then discover that they actually do need maths. By doing maths you are keeping the career options open . . . and it is a huge effort and expensive to do maths after leaving school.

Myth: Boys are better at maths than girls.
Fact: Research has failed to show any difference between men and women in mathematical ability. Men are reluctant to admit they have problems so they express difficulty with maths by saying, 'I could do it if I tried.' Women are often too ready to admit inadequacy and say, 'I just can't do maths.' So to the girls especially, you can do maths! 

Myth: The teacher is too clever to teach us.
Fact: Einstein once said that if you cannot explain something simply, you do not understand it well enough. Teachers may appear to be clever because they can solve maths problems quickly. This is normally because they have seen the problem before. Don't allow a teacher to knock your confidence, you can do maths. 

Myth: I will get my child extra help just before the exams.
Fact: Education is a process, not an event. This is particularly true with maths as it is a subject which builds on previous knowledge and learners need time to absorb and reinforce concepts. Doing a year's worth of work in one month is just not practical. You can do maths, but don't leave it until the 11th hour to get help.

Myth: Maths is not a learning subject.
Fact: There is a lot of theory you need to know and methods you need to learn and practice. World-famous golfer Gary Player once overheard someone saying that he did so well because of luck. His response was: 'The more I practice the luckier I get.' The same is true for maths, the harder you practice the better you will do. And never forget, you can do maths.

Baie dankie vir YOUCANDOMATHS.

My seun is in graad 8 en het baie verswak van laer na hoërskool. Ons het die jaar met 46% en 49% begin en na ons die program begin gebruik het, het sy punte opgegaan na 68%. Ons het so pas die nuwe uitslae gekry en ons is terug op 89% waar hy gewoonlik was. Baie dankie.

Ek dink hoërskool is 'n groot uitdaging en dinge gaan dikwels baie vinnig en ons seun het met YOUCANDOMATHS die geleentheid gehad om op sy eie tyd by die huis naweke op te vang wat hy voel hy verloor het. Dit was ook 'n baie beter en goedkoper alternatief as 'n individuele tutor vir ons.

Groete

YouCanDoMaths is the perfect choice for conducting your own Maths Winter School in the comfort and safety of your home.  Not only will this give you something worthwhile to do during the holidays, it will also allow you to catch up or revise, at your own pace . . . and in the process your very important Maths mark will improve! 

Start by setting up  a timetable. We suggest you allocate at least two to three hours every day, preferably in the morning when you are fresh.  Identify the Sections and Topics which you have done at school during Terms 1 and 2. Then follow the steps as set out in:  www.youcandomaths.co.za/winter-and-spring-school

You can even invite a couple of like-minded friends to join in. You can all listen to the lessons together and then see who does best in the tests.  Afterwards you can discuss the worked out answers.

If you are not already a client, make sure you sign up today!  

Dear YouCanDoMaths (YCDM)

I am an edutainer with 38 years teaching experience. I currently teach at a science-centre, FET mathematics, to fourteen schools on a weekly basis. Since discovering YCDM my teaching method has changed dramatically.

YCDM has many advantages: It reduces my preparation time by half. The current generation learners are generation Y and generation Z learners. These learners are very comfortable with technology, and using the talk and chalk method is not applicable anymore. Learners find talk and chalk teaching method boring and it increases negative feelings towards mathematics.

Thank you to YCDM! YCDM creates an opportunity to use technology in teaching mathematics. The lessons are created in such a manner that a mathematics topic takes a normal school period time. Another advantage is that the learners are actively involved during the whole period and there is no time for being bored. Learners look forward to the mathematics class and do not dread the subject any longer.

YCDM also creates opportunities for learners to become more self-regulated because they can work independently on the programme which in turns, creates self-efficacy behaviour patterns.

Thank you for a lovely, user friendly programme!

R. van Rooyen (Employed by Arcelormittal)

1.  KNOW YOUR WORK

There is a lot to learn and absorb in Mathematics.  Some techniques and methods have certain steps that you just need to memorize.

2. ALWAYS KEEP UP

It is important to regularly reinforce what you are learning at school. This is why homework is given! If you fall behind, it is very difficult to catch up.

3. ASK YOUR TEACHER

Don't be shy to raise your hand and ask questions. If you are not sure about something, there will definitely be others in the class who are not sure.

4. DO EXTRA MATHS LESSONS

The more you practice maths, the better you will get. Extra maths with a private tutor is  expensive, which is why YCDM was started:  We offer quality affordable extra maths! With our program you can work any time, anywhere and at your own pace.

5. PRACTICE, PRACTICE AND MORE PRACTICE

The are no two ways about it . . . Maths is HARD work. Everyone is perhaps not capable of scoring 90%, but most learners can pass maths with hard word and dedication. 

6. ALWAYS REMEMBER . . .

If you do not understand something the first time it does not mean you can't do it!

With the recent #FeesMustFall campaign, a new focus was placed on online and blended teaching to make Education more affordable and accessible to all. In the digital age we are living in, this concept is gathering momentum worldwide and means you can live anywhere in the world, even a small town somewhere in the Karoo, and follow a Harvard online course! 

The online South African mathematics website, YouCanDoMaths, falls squarely into this category. With this website you can study high school mathematics wherever or whenever you want to, you can study at your own pace (the best way to learn mathematics) and you can join an important trend around the world that is encouraging diligent and independent learners.  The website can be accessed on any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone (Android or iOS), as long as you have an internet connection.

YCDM is fully South African and CAPS aligned and has been authored by teachers who are experienced in both the teaching of mathematics and the development of digital mathematics. It is designed for South African schools writing the NSC or IEB exams, so there is no need for searching or sifting through mathematics lessons from around the world - you just need to follow the list of lessons from top to bottom! Each lesson consists of a video, notes, test and fully worked out answers which become available once the test has been completed. The test score is recorded in a progress report. Depending on the method of registering, the parent or guardian also has access to the learner’s progress report, an ideal way to be involved with a child’s learning and development.

Due to popular demand, YCDM is launching grade 8 and 9 at the beginning of 2017. According to the developers, these lessons will be extremely popular because they cover the basics of high school mathematics in great detail - the basics which many learners in the higher grades have forgotten or have never really grasped completely. One of the reasons why people struggle with mathematics is because of its hierarchical nature, i.e. they fall behind because of gaps in their knowledge. This is why, when registering to use the website, all clients get access to all the grades.

The grade 10 – 12 lessons have been available since 2012 and have proved to be extremely useful and valuable to learners. In the words of one client: “Once again I cannot thank you enough for your most invaluable service. Without you my daughter would not have been able to maintain her A symbol in maths.”

For grades 10 - 12, there are also special Revision Lessons which quickly summarise a section. These are perfect to use before a test or exam. There are also Revision Tests which are basically mini exams with 3 different levels: easy, medium and difficult. The program therefore caters for learners who struggle with mathematics as well as for those who want to maintain or improve their marks. There are also plans to add Revision lessons and tests to grades 8 and 9.

YCDM is also involved with schools, giving them the opportunity to buy subscriptions in bulk at a reduced cost. From 2017, YCDM will add a new school facility whereby teachers can register classes and in that way have easy access to the progress reports of all their learners. Teachers can either use YCDM directly in the classroom for teaching or they can use the “flipped classroom concept” where learners do the lessons at home, and homework and discussions are done in the classroom.

The cost for using YCDM ranges from R200 per month, if paying monthly, to as little as R90 per month, if paying for a year in advance. Schools bulk prices are even lower than this.

YCDM is also fully available in Afrikaans.

Although YCDM is an excellent mathematics program, it is important for learners to understand learning mathematics involves dedication and lots of hard work. There are also times when facts need to be learned, so it is not only about understanding. This is why YCDM believes that with the correct attitude and hard work, you CAN do maths!

Met die onlangse #FeesMustFall beweging is nuwe fokus op aanlyn-kursusse geplaas om Opvoeding meer bekostigbaar en beskikbaar vir almal te maak. In die digitale era waarin ons leef, is hierdie konsep besig om meer en meer momentum te kry. Dit beteken jy kan in ‘n klein dorpie in die middel van die Karoo bly en ‘n aanlyn-kursus by Harvard Universiteit volg!

Die internet gebaseerde Suid-Afrikaanse webtuiste, YouCanDoMaths, val vierkantig in hierdie kategorie. Jy kan hiermee hoërskoolwiskunde enige tyd of enige plek leer en jy kan dit teen jou eie tempo doen, die beste manier om wiskunde te leer. Jy kan ook hiermee die belangrike wêreldwye tendens, naamlik om onafhanklike leerders te kweek en aan te moedig, volg. Toegang tot die webtuiste kan deur enige rekenaar, skootrekenaar, tablet of slimfoon (Android of iOS) verkry word, solank jy ‘n internet-verbinding het.

YCDM is ten volle Suid-Afrikaans, inlyn met KABV en is deur wiskundeonderwysers ontwerp wat beide onderving in die klaskamer, sowel as met digitale wiskunde-ontwikkeling het. Dit is ontwerp vir Suid-Afrikaanse skole wat die NSS en IEB eksamens skryf, so leerders kan net eenvoudig al die lesse van bo na onder deurwerk. Elke les bestaan uit ‘n video, notas, ‘n toets en volledig uitgewerkte antwoorde wat slegs beskikbaar is nadat die toets voltooi is. Die toetsuitslag word dan in die leerder se vorderingsverslag aangeteken. Afhangende van die metode van geregistrasie, het die ouer ook toegang tot die leerder se vorderingsverslag om sodoende te monitor en betrokke by die leerproses te wees.

Weens die gewildheid van die program, stel YCDM graad 8 en 9 aan die begin van 2017 vry. Volgens die skrywers gaan hierdie lesse besonder gewild wees, want hulle dek breedvoerig die grondslag van hoërskool-wiskunde. Baie leerders in die hoër grade het al hierdie grondslag vergeet of hulle het dit nooit regtig verstaan nie. Dit is juis een van die redes hoekom leerders met wiskunde sukkel, want die hiërargiese aard daarvan beteken dat probleme gewoonlik as gevolg van gapings in laer grade, ontstaan. Om hierdie rede kry alle YCDM kliënte toegang tot alle grade.

Die graad 10 – 12 lesse is al sedert 2012 beskikbaar en leerders vind dit geweldig nuttig. Soos een van die kliënte sê: “Weereens kan ek nie genoeg vir julle bedank vir jul waardevolle diens nie. Sonder julle sou my dogter nie haar A in wiskunde gehandhaaf het nie.”

Vir graad 10 – 12, is daar ook spesiale Hersienningslesse wat vining ‘n onderwerp opsom. Dit is ideaal om voor ‘n toets of eksamen te gebruik. Daar is ook Hersienningstoetse, wat basies mini eksamens is, met 3 verskillende vlakke: maklik, medium en moeilik. Die program voorsien dus beide in die behoeftes van leerders wat sukkel, of leerders wat hul goeie punte wil handhaaf. Daar is beslis planne om Hersienningslesse by graad 8 en 9 te voeg.

YCDM is ook by skole betrokke en bied aan hulle die geleentheid om in grootmaat, teen ‘n goeie afslag, te registreer. Vanaf 2017 voeg YCDM ook ‘n nuwe skoolfasiliteit by waar onderwysers hul klasse kan registreer en sodoende maklik toegang tot die leerders se vorderingsverslae het. Onderwysers kan YCDM direk in die klaskamer gebruik vir onderrig of hulle kan dit as ‘n “flipped” klaskamer gebruik waar leerders die lesse tuis doen en huiswerk en besprekings word dan in die klaskamer gedoen.

Die koste om YCDM te gebruik wissel van R200 per maand, indien maandeliks betaal word, tot so min as R90 per maand, indien vir ‘n jaar vooruit betaal word. Grootmaat skoolpryse is selfs laer as dit.

YCDM is volledig in Afrikaans beskikbaar.

Alhoewel YCDM ‘n uitstekende wiskunde-program is, is dit belangrik dat leerders verstaan dat daar baie toewyding en harde werk by wiskunde betrokke is. Daar is ook tye waar feite geleer moet word, so dit is nie net altyd verstaanwerk nie. Dit is hoekom YCDM glo dat met die regte houding en harde werk, KAN jy wiskunde doen!

We are happy to announce that we will be offering grade 8 and 9 lessons in January 2017. The lessons will initially cover work done in terms 1 and 2, but by July we hope to also have completed terms 3 and 4.

We believe that, as with the existing grades 10 to 12 lessons, the new grade 8 and 9 lessons will be of great help to learners. It will also then be possible for older learners to go back and brush up on those very important basic grade 8 and 9 skills.

Please tell friends and family about our new lessons and like our website on FACEBOOK.

The differences between learners who fail mathematics and learners who get decent grades are generally clear cut and easily identifiable.

Most of these differences aren't even maths specific... failing students in any subject can generally improve their grades by improving one or more of the following areas:

1)      Get organized
2)      Do your homework every day
3)      Don't wait until the last minute to get help
4)      Be willing to put in the time/effort necessary to be successful
5)      Practice/Prepare for tests
6)      If the people you hang out with aren't committed to success, hang out with different people
7)      Don't accept defeat easily  . . . "If at first you don't succeed, try and  try again."

It is the beginning of a New Year and time to hit the books again. If you hope to have success with mathematics, the most important thing to remember is:

"Always keep up with your studies!"

Mathematics is relentlessly cumulative i.e. what you learn in class today builds on what you learnt in class yesterday. Once you fall behind it takes a huge effort to catch up. So your best strategy is to never let this happen.

If you are in grade 10, 11 or 12, YouCanDoMaths is an affordable, easy to use and convenient way to keep up with your mathematics. Sign up today and take advantage of our New Year Special which offers you up to 4 months FREE access.

Dearest developers of YCDM
I find it difficult to adequately express my gratitude to you, and my
total admiration, for the manner in which your Maths course is
conducted - your dedication and commitment are exemplary!!

You may well know that I am 80 years old, but the ease, and energy
with which I was directed through your Grades 10, 11 & 12 courses were
by themselves a masterly example of devotion and innovation!.

When I started out on this course, my target was not to be become an
expert mathematician, but, rather to be able to apply more thought and
philosophy to my life - this is already an accomplished fact! Life has
become easier and comfortable! My family constantly refers to this
obvious and detectable change in me!

I remain, with much appreciation,
Your grateful student
Yakoob Manjoo

The final exams are almost here and YouCanDoMaths is an excellent way to boost your maths mark!

Because these are the Final exams, you need to revise ALL work done throughout the year. Our Revision Lessons and Revision Tests do exactly that.

Here are guidelines on how to use YouCanDoMaths to prepare:

• Set up a study schedule and stick to it. Make sure you spend enough time on the program every day.
• If you are in grade 12, you will also need time to revise grade 11 work. 
• Start from the top and do the Revision Lesson(s) at the end of each topic to quickly revise everything you need to know. Also do its test.
• Next you need to do the Revision Tests. These tests are  mini exams and there are three different levels to choose from: easy, medium and difficult. We recommend that you do at least the easy and medium levels.
• All our tests have fully worked out answers. Please study these answers carefully and make sure you understand them.

If you have any queries regarding the above, please email us at info@youcandomaths.co.za and we will try to assist you.

Good luck with your preparation for the final exams!

With more than 30 years experience in teaching Mathematics & Physical Sciences, I absolutely endorse your excellent and very user-friendly product !
- Aslam Mukadam (Founder Maths Excellence), Cape Town

Ek as sy moeder is regtig so verbaas oor hoe graag hy met die wisk program werk.  Baie dankie  vir puik program.
- Mariana van der Merwe, Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal

It is the beginning of the third term and the end of the year is rushing towards us. Please emphasize the importance of this term to your child and encourage him or her to always keep up and stay ahead with maths.

If you are not registered with YouCanDoMaths, your subscription has expired or you did not complete the full registration, please sign up or renew as soon as possible so that your child can start NOW to boost his or her maths mark.

Good luck to all with this very important term!

_______________________________________________________________


Dit is die begin van die derde kwartaal en die einde van die jaar kom baie vinnig nader. Beklemtoon asseblief die belangrikheid van hierdie kwartaal by jou kind en moedig hom of haar aan om altyd by te bly met wiskunde.

Indien jy nie reeds 'n lid van YouCanDoMaths is nie, jou subskripsie verval het of jy het nie die hele registrasieproses voltooi nie, registreer of hernu asseblief so gou as moontlik sodat jou kind NOU kan begin om sy of haar wiskundepunt 'n hupstoot te gee.

Sterkte aan almal met hierdie baie belangrike kwartaal!

YouCanDoMaths is the perfect choice for conducting your own maths Winter School in the comfort and safety of your home.  Not only will this give you something worthwhile to do during the holidays, it will also allow you to catch up or revise, at your own pace.

Start by setting up a timetable. We suggest you allocate at least two to three hours every day, preferably in the morning when you are fresh.  Identify the Sections and Topics which you have done at school during Terms 1 and 2. Then follow the steps as set out in: About the Program / Winter and Spring School on our homepage.

You can even invite a couple of like-minded friends to join in. You can all listen to the lessons together and then see who does best in the tests. Afterwards you can discuss the worked out answers.

If you are not already a client, make sure you sign up today!

Die Junie-eksamen is om die draai. Hier is 'n paar wenke oor hoe om YouCanDoMaths te gebruik om jou te help met voorbereiding vir die wiskunde-eksamen.

• Vind uit presies oor watter afdelings die eksamen gaan handel. Jou onderwyser behoort hierdie inligting aan jou te kan verskaf.

• Stel 'n studierooster op en hou daarby. Begin jou rooster 'n paar weke voor die eksamen, sodat jy tyd het om probleemgebiede te identifiseer. Indien jy in graad 12 is, moet jy ook dalk tyd maak om graad 11 werk te hersien.

• Besluit nou watter YouCanDoMaths Hersienningslesse jy moet doen. Hierdie lesse kom aan die einde van elke afdeling voor en is ontwerp om vinnig die werk wat jy alreeds gedoen het, te hersien.

• Nadat jy die Hersienningslesse (insluitende hul toetse) vir 'n sekere afdeling voltooi het, is daar Hersienningstoetse vir jou om te doen. Hierdie toetse is basies mini-eksamens en daar is drie vlakke om van te kies: maklik, medium en moeilik. Ons beveel aan dat jy ten minste die maklike en medium toetse doen. Nadat jy 'n Hersienningstoets gedoen het, het jy toegang tot die volledig uitgewerkte antwoorde. Bestudeer asseblief hierdie antwoorde noukeurig en maak seker jy verstaan hulle.

Indien jy enige navrae het oor bogenoemde, stuur gerus vir ons'n epos na info@youcandomaths.co.za en ons sal probeer om jou by te staan.

Sterkte met jou voorbereiding vir die Junie-eksamen!

The June exams are around the corner. Here are some tips on how to use YouCanDoMaths to help you prepare for the maths exam.

• Find out exactly which sections are going to be examined. Your teacher should be able to supply you with this information.

• Set up a study schedule and stick to it. Begin your schedule a few weeks before the exam, so that you have time to identify problem areas. If you are in grade 12, you may also need time to revise grade 11sections.

• Identify which YouCanDoMaths Revision Lessons you need to do. These lessons appear at the end of each section and are designed to quickly revise work you should already have done.

• After completing the Revision Lessons (including their tests) for a certain section, there are also Revision Tests for you to do. These tests are basically mini exams and there are three different levels to choose from: easy, medium and difficult. We recommend that you do at least the easy and medium levels. After completing a Revision Test, you will have access to the fully worked out answers. Please study these answers carefully and make sure you understand them.

If you have any queries regarding the above, please email us at info@youcandomaths.co.za and we will try to assist you.

Good luck with your preparation for the June exams!

The following article shows that you use maths more often than you think!

Click here to read this interesting article from The Irish Times.

Mathematics, satellites and drones are successfully being used to halt the poaching of Africa's rhino and elephants.

For the full story click here.

Hi there

I'd just like to give you guys some feedback on YouCanDoMaths.

A friend introduced me to YCDM partway through 2013, when I was in Grade 11. Checking it out, I liked what I saw, and continued to use the website right through Matric.

I was home-schooled through Brainline Learning World from Grades 10-12 and started relying more and more on your website for learning the material, and sometimes for the tests. In 2014, I wrote the IEB final exams, achieving 99% for Matric Maths.

I must thank the team at YCDM, because without your videos, my marks would never have been quite up there. Learning through YCDM, I felt my education in that subject was in safe hands, that I'd be prepared for all eventualities in an exam.

Lastly, thanks for being quick and willing to respond. In the past I reported a few errors in the test memos, and your team responded quickly and effectively.

Regards

Jean-Jacq du Plessis

Dit is die begin van 'n Nuwejaar en tyd om weer agter die boeke in te skuif. As jy hoop om suksesvol in Wiskunde te wees, is die mees belangrikste ding om te onthou:

'Moet nooit agterraak met jou werk nie!'

Wiskunde bou altyd voort op vorige kennis, m.a.w. wat jy vandag in die klas leer, gaan jy môre gebruik. As jy eers agter is, verg dit groot inspanning om weer op te vang. Jou beste strategie is dus om altyd by te bly.

As jy in graad 10, 11 of 12 is, is YouCanDoMaths 'n bekostigbare, maklik om te gebruik en gerieflike manier om jou Wiskunde op datum te hou. Registreer vandag en maak gebruik van ons Nuwejaar Spesiale Aanbod wat vir jou tot 4 maande GRATIS toegang bied.

We are happy to announce that we have joined forces with the Science Clinic team.

They offer potent Science workshops which are hosted by well qualified and experienced teachers.

These are presented in nine cities across the country in both Afrikaans and English, for Grades 11 and 12.

Check out their 2-minute video: http://youtu.be/J25hHad628o

Or go straight to their website: www.scienceclinic.co.za/bookings

Dit is nou die tyd van die jaar wanneer almal na 'n wiskundetutor of iemand wat ekstra wiskundeklasse aanbied, soek. Die goeie nuus is dat jy nie verder hoef te soek nie, want ons bied presies dit waarna jy opsoek is!

YouCanDoMaths bied kwaliteit wiskundelesse teen 'n baie bekostigbare prys op die internet aan. Die program is deur Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysers met baie jare se ondervinding ontwikkel. Jy kry onbeperkte toegang tot videolesse, notas en toetse op 'n tyd van die dag wat jou pas én in die gemak van jou eie huis. Dit beteken jy hoef nie meer met die verkeer en hoë petrolpryse te baklei nie.

Die internet is vinnig besig om die klaskamer van die toekoms te word met baie internasionale universiteite wat aanlyn-kursesse aanbied. Ongelukkig is daar ook heelwat snert op die internet. Soos een van ons kliënte sê: “In die begin was ons maar skepties, want wat werk op die internet? Intussen het my seun se wiskundepunt met 20% verbeter en ons beveel YouCanDoMaths baie sterk aan!”

Hierdie manier van studeer gaan jou baie help om 'n onafhanklike leerder te word, iets wat tot groot voordeel later in jou lewe gaan wees.

Herhaling is uiters belangrik wanneer jy wiskunde studeer . . .  en ons onderwyser  herhaal sonder om enigsins ongeduldig te word! Ons moedig jou aan om die lesse gereeld te stop en terug te gaan, soveelkeer as wat jy voel nodig is.

Ons prys per maand is minder as wat jy vir tradisionele ekstra wiskundeklasse per uur sal betaal!

Ons besef dat heelwat mense nie internet tuis het nie, maar miskien is dit tyd om die verskillende opsies wat beskikbaar is, te ondersoek - van ADSL tot 3G. Die internet is die toekoms en dit is tot jou voordeel om aanlyn te wees. Jy mag dalk in 'n skootrekenaar of tablet moet belê, maar onthou, jy kan dit ook vir al jou ander vakke en vir jou tersiêre studies gebruik.

As mens al die bogenoemde optel mag dit dalk na baie geld klink, maar dit is steeds goedkoper as tradisionele ekstra wiskundelesse vir 1 of 2 uur per week.

Sterkte met hierdie belangrike tweede kwartaal.

This is the time of year when everyone scrambles to find a maths tutor or someone who offers extra maths lessons. Well, the good news is that you do not need to look any further, because you have found exactly what you are looking for!

YouCanDoMaths offers quality maths lessons at a very affordable rate, on the internet. The program was developed by South African maths teachers with many years of experience. You will have unlimited access to video lessons, notes and tests at a time which suits you and in the comfort of your own home. No more battling with traffic and high fuel prices.

The internet is fast becoming the classroom of the future with many international universities offering online courses. Unfortunately there is also a lot of junk on the internet. As one of our clients said: “In the beginning we were very sceptical about the program, because what works on the internet? In the meantime my son’s maths mark has improved by 20% and we can highly recommend YouCanDoMaths!” 

Studying in this way will help you become an independent learner, something which will be of great benefit later in life.

Repetition is an important part of learning mathematics . . . and our teacher will repeat without ever getting impatient! We recommend that you pause and rewind the lessons as often as you need to.

Our price per month is less than what you will pay per hour for traditional extra maths lessons!

We know that many people do not have internet at home, but maybe it is time to look into all the different options that are available, from ADSL to 3G. The internet is the future and you need to be connected. You might have to invest in a laptop or a tablet, both of which you will be able to use for other subjects as well as for tertiary studies.
Adding all of the above sounds like a lot of money, but it will still be cheaper than doing extra maths for 1 or 2 hours per week in the traditional way.

Good luck with this very important second term.

YouCanDoMaths helps to sponsor the under 17 Boland Action Netball team. They are taking part in the Inter Provincial Tournament during the March holidays in Centurion.

We wish the girls luck! Go go!!

Hier is 'n uittreksel uit die Maart 2014 uitgawe van LiG-tydskrif se artikel:

Wiskunde en Wetenskap: Haal die 'aaaargghh!' uit

Gerda van der Merwe van www.youcandomaths.co.za, 'n tweetalige Suid-Afrikaanse aanlyn-wiskundeprogram, het raad oor hoe ouers hulle ouer kinders in dié vak kan ondersteun:

• Op hoërskool is natuurlike talent al byna minder belangrik as harde werk, voorbereiding en selfvertroue.

• Moet nooit negatiewe kommentaar lewer soos: “Ek kon self nooit wiskunde doen nie.” Dit bou net voort op 'n gevaarlike mite wat besig is om ons jeug se toekoms te benadeel.

• Motiveer jou kind om reg deur die jaar te werk, nie net knap voor die eksamen nie. Dit is baie makliker om met wiskunde by te bly as om te moet inhaal.

• Kry dadelik ekstra hulp as jou kind sukkel. Hoe langer jy toelaat dat jou kind voortploeter, hoe groter is die kans dat 'n sogenaamde “mental block” geskep word.

• Moenie jou kind sonder meer toelaat om wiskunde te staak nie – dit kan sy/haar toekomsplanne beperk. 
  

Joernalis: ENGELA DUVENAGE

We have just had an interest rate hike, the petrol price is going through the roof and food prices are on the increase.

In these financially trying times, people may be tempted to put off getting extra maths help in order to save money. Although not ideal, this is understandable, given the high cost of extra maths lessons.

One of the aims listed in our Vision and Mission statement, is to offer quality maths lessons at a very reasonable rate. If you read through our feedback, you will see that many clients are extremely happy with the service offered by YouCanDoMaths. This is not surprising as they are getting excellent help for a fraction of the normal cost.

Our clients also do not have to get into a car and drive through busy traffic to get to extra lessons, thus saving further on both petrol and time.

And finally, most of our clients renew their subscription, which is undoubtedly the best recommendation for our services.

While writing this article, we got this message from a client today: “Just want to say, your program is fantastic. My son likes to do maths for the first time. Tutor classes are just too expensive to come by.”

2014 sees the final implementation of CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement). Transformations and Linear Programming are now out of the grade 12 curriculum and Euclidean Geometry, Statistics and Probability are in.

We are happy to announce, that as from 1 January 2014, YouCanDoMaths is fully aligned to CAPS.

In addition to the new CAPS lessons, we have also added grade 12 Revision Lessons.

Conduct your own Maths Spring School in the comfort and safety of your home by using YouCanDoMaths this September holiday. Make sure you are up to date with your term 1, 2 and 3 mathematics and ready for the final exams.

Start by setting up a timetable. We suggest you allocate at least two to three hours every day, preferably in the morning when you are fresh.  Identify the Sections and Topics which you have done at school up to now. Then follow the steps as set out in: About the Program / Winter and Spring School on our homepage.

At YouCanDoMaths our aim is to encourage responsibility, motivate learners through success and to make maths more enjoyable.

So, if you are not already a client, make sure you unlock your full potential and sign up today!

Op 3 Februarie 2013 het Anthea Adams van RSG met YouCanDoMaths oor Wiskunde-onderrig gesels. Kliek hier om die MP3 (14.1 MB) van die program af te laai en daarna te luister.

Here is a link to a very entertaining lesson on teaching Algebra

The facts about maths myths

Learners and their parents often wonder why children don’t excel at maths. Based on many testimonials from previous users, YouCanDoMaths looks at a few misconceptions and gives you straight answers.

Myth: Those who do well in maths have a special ability.
Fact: Most learners who do well do not have a special ability. Like reading, the majority of people are born with the ability to do maths. They do well because they have the correct attitude and are prepared to work at it. If you fail a test or exam it does not mean you are a failure. However, if you give up trying, then you have failed. So remember, even if you think you do not have a special ability to do maths, you can do maths.

Myth: Extra maths lessons are very expensive.
Fact: This is often true, but there are affordable options on the internet which offer very good help. These sites allow children to work in a non-threatening environment and most importantly, at their own pace.

Myth: Maths is not important for the career I want to do.
Fact: This is often used as an excuse to give up maths. The truth is that many people change their minds later in life and then discover that they actually do need maths. By doing maths you are keeping the career options open.

Myth: Boys are better at maths than girls.
Fact: Research has failed to show any difference between men and women in mathematical ability. Men are reluctant to admit they have problems so they express difficulty with maths by saying, 'I could do it if I tried.' Women are often too ready to admit inadequacy and say, 'I just can't do maths.' So to the girls especially, you can do maths!

Myth: The teacher is too clever to teach us.
Fact: Einstein once said that if you cannot explain something simply, you do not understand it well enough. Teachers may appear to be clever because they can solve maths problems quickly. This is normally because they have seen the problem before. Don’t allow your teacher to knock your confidence, you can do maths.

Myth: I will get my child extra help just before the exams.
Fact: Education is a process, not an event. This is particularly true with maths as it is a subject which builds on previous knowledge and learners need time to absorb and reinforce concepts. Doing a year’s worth of work in one month is just not practical. You can do maths, but don’t leave it until the 11th hour to get help.

Myth: Maths is not a learning subject.
Fact: There is a lot of theory you need to know and methods you need to learn and practice. World-famous golfer Gary Player once overheard someone saying that he did so well because of luck. His response was: “The more I practice the luckier I get.” The same is true for maths, the harder you practice the better you will do. And never forget, you can do maths.

This option has been made available because we understand that people may want to try out the program before committing to a longer term.

However, please note, there is no quick fix in mathematics and education is a process that takes time. This program will therefore be most beneficial when it is used regularly from the beginning of the school year.

Remember it is better to keep up than to catch up!

Dear YouCanDoMaths

I am currently using your website in Afrikaans and I am very exited to tell you how it helped me!
I am in Grade 10 and since I've been doing your lessons my marks have increased remarkably! I've gone from 39% in the second term to 73% this term! I can't believe I am saying this, but I am actually starting to enjoy Maths and I have hating it since grade 4 (but not any more!) Thank you so much! If it wasn't for you and God I would never have done this good.

I also want to thank you for sending me the rulers, everytime I use it and I read the 'youcandomaths' that is printed on it I feel so motivated and it helped me to believe that I really can do Maths.

I will definitely be using this untill I am done with school and thank you for creating the website in Afrikaans as well, now I can even do Maths in my home language, that's fantastic!

I will surely be telling my friends!

Regards,
S. van Wyk
Kalahari High School
Northern Cape

YouCanDoMaths would like to congratulate our Olympic team, and especially the medal winners, on their excellent performances.

Success in sport, like Mathematics, is all about hard work and perseverance!

Hierdie artikel het in Die Burger van 16 Julie 2012 oor YouCanDoMaths verskyn:

KAAPSTAD. – Die gebrek aan moedertaalondderig in die Suid-Afrikaanse onderrigstelsel – selfs in wiskunde– is 'n “ramp”.

Só het prof. Wannie Carstens, voorsitter van die Suid-Afrikaanse akademie vir wetenskap en kuns, by navraag gesê.

Hy het gereageer nadat 'n nuwe Afrikaanse aanlyn wiskunde-webwerf – die enigste van sy soort – pas bekendgestel is.

“Enigiets wat jy lees moet eers geïnternaliseer word voordat jy dit kan konseptualiseer. As jy dit nie in jou moedertaal lees nie, is dit net soveel moeiliker.”

Die webwerf, YouCanDoMaths, is nou in Engels en Afrikaans beskikbaar en kos (vanaf) R100 per maand.

Volgens Carstens is wiskunde 'n vak wat ingeoefen moet word en verwelkom hy enige hulpmiddel wat leerders in staat stel om dié vaardighede in te oefen.

Luidens 'n verklaring van YouCanDoMaths, het 'n onlangse studie deur Unisa die drie grootste struikelblokke geïdentifiseer wat leerders verhoed om bykomende hulp in wiskunde te bekom.

Dit sluit in die hoë koste vir ekstra wiskundeklasse, leerders se besige skedules, asook die probleem met vervoer na lesse.

Die webtuiste is plaaslik vervaardig deur onderwysers met ervaring in e-onderrig en bied lesse vir gr. 10, 11 en 12 leerders aan.– Marelize Potgieter

- Die Burger

We are happy to annouce that our application to become a member of Proudly South African has been successful. This site has been developed by South Africans for South Africans!

As a student who matriculated over 16 years ago, I found the YouCanDoMaths program to be very user friendly, thorough and an extremely valuable tool in working towards achieving my goals. The progression between the grades is very well linked, with the basics covered well. The value for money with this site is well worth it, as I worked on the site almost everyday for six months.

Kimberley S.