Maths@Sea

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MATHS AT SEA

We have developed a new web-based upskilling programme designed to help with the basics of nautical maths.

Nautical colleges and shipping companies have been saying for some time that many students turn up at nautical college ill-equipped to cope with the underpinning maths required in their professional studies. This despite the students often having what might reasonably be expected to be a good qualification in maths.

The consequences of turning up at college and struggling with the maths are not good.

It makes the individual feel inadequate and dents self-confidence. For colleges it means they often have to provide expensive remedial maths tuition. Sponsoring companies have to put up with students who are held back because of slow progress with the academics, thus causing unwelcome disruption to the training schedule.

Marine Society was pleased to answer the call from industry for a contribution that addresses the problem.

the course

We worked closely with practitioners in nautical education, in particular South Tyneside Marine College, to produce a maths diagnostic testing programme and an upskilling programme.

Both components are part of the same package, though each component can be taken independently of the other.

Key features of the programme are that it has been designed from bottom up by professionals in nautical education and the entire programme is marine contextualised - it uses nautically-flavoured examples and language.

It intuitively leads students to apply basic yet key maths concepts without them even realising they are doing so. It also covers elementary aspects of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry: essential skill sets at nautical college, but often no longer covered as part of the school curriculum.

who uses the course

The course is routinely used as a diagnostic testing tool for those applying for scholarship funding from rating to officer under the Slater fund.

Each applicant's score is analysed and a decision taken as to whether they ought to complete the up-skilling programme and thereby improve that score before a scholarship is awarded. It's expected to be widely used by ratings seeking placement on the new apprenticeship scheme.

It's also being used by prospective MN Officer trainees who welcome the opportunity to refresh their knowledge in functional skills before or during their college studies.

It's felt that this course makes a positive contribution to retention rates for existing students and can be a useful tool for prospective employers wishing to evaluate a candidate's ability to succeed.

Free access to the test and course is provided to those applying for Slater scholarships. Others are asked to pay a small fee to access the programme. Arrangements can be made with colleges/companies for group access: please ask us

Visit the course: Maths@Sea

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