Winning maths app announced Thursday, May 23, 2013 - 16:45

NIACE is delighted to announce the winner of the Apps4Us challenge. Modern English will be working with Bolton College to produce a brand new maths app, as part of the national Maths4Us initiative to help boost adult maths skills across England.

The app, chosen by a public vote, will be available to download on PCs, tablets and other mobile devices, and will help adults boost their numeracy skills by explaining everyday concepts through a series of tools and learning activities. For example, a tool to work out how much fuel you will need to drive a certain distance, with learning activities explaining how it can be worked out and rewarding users as they work through the activities.

Modern English - who've developed digital and Facebook campaigns for clients including Kylie, Pink Floyd and Cypress Hill - will be working closely with Bolton College - which has a wealth of experience delivering learning to adults with and without technology - to produce the Maths Everywhere app.

Susan Easton, Digital Programme Manager at NIACE, said:

"Everyone uses maths every day, but everyone can get better at it and, with numeracy levels needing a boost, this app will provide exactly what’s required. The public has given great support to this competition and with over 4,200 votes we’ve had a great response to all four fantastic apps. We are delighted to be working with Modern English and Bolton College, who have a wealth of experience developing apps and teaching maths between them. Like maths, technology is used every day by millions of people, so combining the two makes sense if we are to address the country’s numeracy issue."

Bruce Thomas, Director of Modern English, said:

"We are absolutely honoured to be chosen by the public as the developers for this very exciting project. Many adults struggle with maths and the idea of developing compelling and useful technology to help adults feel more confident with their maths skills is something that the team here at Modern-English are extremely excited about. With added educational support from Bolton College we aim to deliver a seriously innovative and exciting bit of educational software."

Paul McKean, information and learning technology development manager at Bolton College, said:

"Students and staff at Bolton College are really excited to be able to turn the ‘Maths Everywhere’ app from a design concept into a reality – we’d like to thank everyone who voted.

"The app will help people to solve simple everyday maths calculations, in a fun and engaging way. We hope that our app will inspire users and help to increase their confidence. Ultimately, we’d like to encourage more people to go on to study maths at a higher level."

Pat Harrison, Director of 14 to 19-year-olds at Bolton College, said:

"The opportunity to continue to study maths and English is seen as a priority for all our students on study programmes here at Bolton College. We are committed to ensuring that every learner who has yet to attain a GCSE in maths and English has the opportunity to work towards this whilst they are at the College.

"This app will be a fantastic boost to our campaign to bring the fun back into maths. It will also emphasise just how important these skills are to young people and adults when preparing to enter the world of work."