In South Africa, fewer than 4% of children who start Grade 1 graduate with strong enough maths skills to pursue maths or science degrees. But Numeric is changing that, with lasting results. Since 2012, the organisation has been dedicated to transforming maths education in South Africa particularly for Grade 6 and 7 learners from low-income areas, helping them build a strong foundation in the subject.
A new study by researcher Ros Clayton highlights the long-term impact of Numeric’s after-school maths programme, showing that it’s not just about short-term improvements, but lasting academic success – right through to matric.
The study, which looked at key academic milestones like matric pass rates, bachelor’s pass rates, subject selection, and dropout rates, provides solid data on how Numeric’s approach works. By combining a 2013 randomised control trial (RCT) with a larger 2014-2018 sample, it’s clear: Numeric learners are more likely to reach matric, pass their exams, and pursue higher-level maths and science subjects. The proof is in the numbers.
Numbers speak for themselves
The RCT, often considered the gold standard in programme evaluation, found that Numeric participants were:
- 23% more likely to pass matric
- 233% more likely to achieve 60% or higher in mathematics
A larger pooled sample, which controlled for baseline maths abilities, confirmed that Numeric participants were:
- 24% more likely to reach matric
- 33% more likely to pass matric
- 40% more likely to achieve a bachelor’s pass
- 59% more likely to take mathematics as a matric subject
- 61% more likely to pass mathematics at 30% or higher
More than just maths skills
While the statistics are impressive, the real impact of Numeric goes beyond the numbers. Clayton suggests that motivation and confidence play a crucial role. “One of the most striking aspects of the study was the reduced dropout rates among Numeric learners,” he explains. “This suggests that the programme isn’t just improving maths skills – it’s instilling a sense of perseverance and self-belief that keeps learners in school.”
Previous research has shown that students who perform well in maths tend to develop greater academic confidence, which in turn fuels their drive to succeed in other subjects. The study found that Numeric learners also performed better in mathematical literacy, physical science, accounting, and English first additional language – subjects that are key to unlocking further study and career opportunities.
What comes next?
The study raised some interesting questions about the long-term impact of early interventions like Numeric. Would these students continue to outperform their peers beyond matric? Would they enter STEM-related careers at higher rates?
While more research is needed to track these learners into tertiary education and the workforce, Clayton believes the findings are a call to action. “Given how successful Numeric has been, perhaps expansion is the next logical step,” he says. “Reaching more learners earlier and maintaining some level of engagement into high school could further amplify these results.”
A call for collaboration
Clayton also highlights potential opportunities for Numeric to collaborate with the Department of Basic Education (DBE). “Scaling up through summer schools or targeted interventions for retained learners could be game-changers,” he says. “Many learners who repeat grades don’t receive any additional support, and a programme like Numeric could make a huge difference.”
Early intervention is key
This study underscores a fundamental truth: fixing South Africa’s mathematics crisis must start in primary school. Numeric’s after-school classes provide 100 additional hours of maths instruction in Grade 7, and the data shows that this intervention can alter a child’s entire academic trajectory.
As Clayton puts it, “We cannot afford to wait until high school to intervene. By Grade 9, too many learners have already fallen behind. The earlier we start, the greater the impact.”
For every 100 learners who attend Numeric:
- 12 more stay in school
- 13 more pass matric
- 9 more choose mathematics as a matric subject
As South Africa grapples with its education challenges, Numeric’s success story is one that policymakers, educators, and funders should be paying close attention to.
