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Mathematics is a core learning area that lays the foundation for developing problem-solving skills and analytical and logical thinking. These essential skills and understandings can pave the way to future academic success and open doors to numerous career pathways later in life. However, many girls, particularly in the middle and senior years of primary school, can experience a dip in confidence when it comes to maths. At Launch Learning Centre, we believe that building and maintaining a strong sense of self-belief in maths is key to long-term success for all students. Here’s how we can help young learners—especially girls—develop confidence and a love for maths.
The Confidence Gap in Mathematics
It’s common for students to feel challenged by maths, but research shows that girls are more likely than boys to doubt their own abilities in this area. This can be due to a mix of self-perception, past experiences and even social influences. When students lack confidence, they may avoid challenges, hesitate to ask questions, or develop a belief that they are simply “not good at maths.”
Strategies to Build and Maintain Confidence
Emphasise Growth, Not Perfection: Learning maths is a journey and mistakes are part of the process. Encouraging a growth mindset—where effort and persistence are valued over immediate correctness—helps children see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as failures.
Make Maths Relevant and Fun: Engagement is key to confidence. Real-world applications, hands-on activities and games can make maths more enjoyable and meaningful. Whether it’s budgeting pocket money, measuring ingredients for baking, or solving puzzles, incorporating maths into everyday life reinforces its value.
Provide Positive Role Models: Seeing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can be inspiring. Highlighting female mathematicians, scientists and engineers can help young girls envision themselves excelling in maths-based subjects and careers.
Encourage Problem-Solving and Independence: Allowing students to explore different ways to approach problems fosters independence and creativity. Rather than focusing solely on the ‘right answer,’ encourage them to explain their thinking, justify their reasoning and try new strategies.
Create a Supportive Learning Environment: Whether at home, at school or in a tutoring setting, a supportive environment makes all the difference. Find opportunities to explore and enjoy maths together, for example playing games and solving puzzles. Praise effort, celebrate progress and ensure that mistakes are seen as learning experiences rather than setbacks.
Individualised Support: Every student has unique learning needs. It is important to tailor learning to address these individual strengths and areas for growth. This will ensure that students are appropriately engaged and supported right where they need it most. When learning is carefully aligned with students individual needs, they are far more likely to demonstrate growth. Students who experience success are more likely to remain engaged and motivated to learn.
The Long-Term Impact
When girls develop confidence in maths during primary school, they are more likely to engage with higher-level maths in secondary school and beyond. Confidence in maths supports problem-solving skills, resilience and academic achievement across multiple subjects.
By fostering a positive and encouraging approach to learning, we can help all students—especially girls—to recognise their abilities and thrive in mathematics. At Launch Learning Centre, we’re dedicated to empowering young learners with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.