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Numeracy programs

Maths skills are important in today’s digitally driven world.

Having strong numeracy skills is vital for success in the workplace, for taking control of your finances and managing a variety of daily tasks.

In today’s digitally driven world, maths skills are even more important for understanding how the world works, making informed decisions, and effectively utilising digital tools. 

60.5% of Year 5 students whose parents have not completed Year 12 or equivalent fail to achieve above the national minimum numeracy standards.3

Right now, 1 in 3 Australian children living in poverty are unable to attain basic numeracy skills in their first year of school.1  And once behind in maths, generally stay behind.2

Research shows that when children living with poverty receive targeted learning support at each stage of their education, they can build the foundations of a better future.

Girl learning to count using the abacus
Our Let's Count program, on the TODAY show
Learning starts in the early years. Little children’s brains are wired to learn, and The Smith Family is all about education.
 
Karen Russell, National Manager of Early Years and Government Programs

Numeracy programs

Our learning programs

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs

Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.

Arts programs

Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.

Community programs

We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.

Financial programs

We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.

School transition programs

Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.

Learning Clubs

After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning. 

Learning for Life

Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.

Literacy programs

Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.

Mentoring programs

Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.

Numeracy programs

We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.

Technology programs

Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.

Work experience programs

We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.
1 OECD (2023), PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The State of Learning and Equity in Education, PISA, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/53f23881-en.
2 David Geary, Setting the preschool foundation for success in Mathematics, Centre for Independent Studies Limited (2022) .
3 The Smith Family, Improving the educational outcomes of disadvantaged young Australians: The Learning for Life program report (2016).