Ham & High- H&H Series
Maths website puts fun back in the equation Former Highgate pupil helps found online tutor A former Highgate School pupil is one of the brains behind a new online home tutor for primary school children. Ben Keogh is one of the founders of Maths-Whizz. com, a web-based programme for children aged five to 11.
The 28yearold Oxford graduate, from Cholmley Park, said Maths-Whizz puts the fun back into learning. He said it also covers the entire national curriculum. He said: “We feel we have a really good service which genuinely helps children with their maths. Many children get it into their heads that they cannot do maths and they stop trying. A survey last year found that one in four state school pupils get private tuition and one in eight is for maths. A monthly subscription costs the same as a standard hour of private tuition”.
Using hundreds of animations and interactive exercises, Maths-Whizz gets personal with each child. After an initial assessment, a tailored package will be delivered and the lesson plan will change in response to performance.
Mr Keogh said: “Someone might be advanced for their age in fractions but below par in decimals. Every single exercise is relevant to their specific ability, not their age”. The service has many fans, including maths legend Johnny Ball. He said: “Maths-Whizz is a great way to explore maths.
The interactive animations make learning maths fun and if kids enjoy themselves while they’re learning they always improve faster”. Parents can receive an up-to-date report of their child’s progress and each child is only allowed 45 minutes’ access in a 24hour period.
Mr Keogh said: “We have had kids testing it and they love it. But if they do three hours the first night and three hours the next, they get bored and their maths will not improve in the long term”. The service is also being developed to provide revision facilities for both children and parents.
Mr Keogh joined the makers, Whizz Education, two years ago. The company also produces Maths-Whizz Teachers’ Resource, a series of interactive CDs for schools. schools around the country, including Richard Cobden Primary in Camden Town and Carlton Primary in Kentish Town. For more information go to www.whizzeducation.com.