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Chris Packham joins the Big Number Natter!
22 May 2024
Numbers are all around us, including in the natural world.
Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham CBE tells us why numeracy is important to him, and everyone!
Chris Packham joins the Big Number Natter for National Numeracy Day
His lucky number, his thoughts about numeracy in just three words and what he struggles with when it comes to numbers – Chris Packham reveals the answers in a brilliant Big Number Natter video recorded especially for National Numeracy Day!
Acknowledging that you can improve your numeracy with practice and even answering some general knowledge questions on the subject of numbers, the video is a fascinating insight into Chris’s relationship with everyday maths.
It's never too late to get better at numeracy, says Chris Packham
Answering questions about maths and numeracy, Chris says: "'Do you think that being rubbish at maths is seen as a badge of honour?' I certainly hope not. Being rubbish at maths is not very good. You should try and be better at maths. That would be a badge of honour.
"'All mathematicians are born good at maths - true or false?' I’m going to be controversial here – some neurodiverse people, like myself, seem to have an aptitude when it comes to maths and numeracy. That means that they’re probably born with it. But, let’s be very clear, you can develop that aptitude throughout the course of your life. Your environment, your attitude, the amount of effort you put in, counts."
Chris adds: “It’s never too late to get better at numeracy. It’s something you can do throughout the course of the whole of your life.
“Numeracy is important. I think anything you can do to become more competent when it comes to handling figures and understanding how they impact your life and what they mean is a good thing."
Just like Chris Packham, you can take part in the Big Number Natter this National Numeracy Day
Chris Packham is just one of many people taking part in this year’s Big Number Natter, aimed at encouraging people to open up about how they feel about numbers.
After all, numbers are a part of everyday life and talking about them could be the first step towards a numeracy improvement journey.
Why not join Chris in nattering about numbers this May? We have lots of resources to help adults join in with the Big Number Natter.
Try the National Numeracy Challenge
However you feel about maths, you’re not alone. The National Numeracy Challenge is a free and easy-to-use website you can use to improve your confidence with numbers, in your own time and at your own pace.
It’s ideal for brushing up, checking your level, or for catching up on learning you missed, and it’s all about the maths you need in daily life and at work – no algebra or trigonometry.
