Last updated 15:43, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

GCSE students across West Cumbria are breathing a sigh of relief with the introduction of the REACT Foundation’s new Math-o-fax.

YOU CAN COUNT ON US: Presenting students from St Benedict's High School and Whitehaven School with their booklets are Sue Donnelly, second left, from Aim Higher Cumbria, and Irene McMillan, right, from the React Foundation.

The pocket-sized prompts are making maths manageable and helping 15- to 16-year-olds with everything maths-related, from graphs and equations to trigonometry and units.

Students across Copeland and Allerdale have been given the maths cards in the hope that science and engineering-related subjects will be easier to digest and made more enjoyable.

Hundreds of the new cards have already been handed out and are proving hugely popular with students and teachers throughout the area.

The modern design of the mini guide means young people can keep it in their pocket as a handy source of reference.

The concept complements the aim of the REACT Foundation – to change the attitude towards science and engineering and promote the rewarding potential of a career in these fields.

Aimhigher Cumbria, which works to raise the attainment and aspirations of young people in the area, are sponsors of the unique cards.

Sue Donnelly, of Aimhigher Cumbria, said: “These new Z-Cards are breaking down all the barriers which young people may have when it comes to maths.

“The quirky and easy-to-use design means GCSE students can have a guide to a wide range of mathematical topics at their fingertips which will help them through their studies.”

Pete Woolaghan, chairman of the REACT Foundation, added: “We are working to banish the idea that science and engineering related subjects are too dull and difficult for younger people to grasp and the introduction of the Z-Cards will help with this.”

Lauren Young of St Benedict’s Catholic High School, Whitehaven, explained: “The Math-o-fax is a great idea. For a lot of people maths can be a daunting subject and having a pocket-sized guide will help a lot of students.”

Nicola Morton, of Whitehaven School, said: “Most of my friends have a Math-o-fax as it’s a brilliant reminder for working out lots of different maths topics.

“There’s everything there from simple things like prime numbers to more complicated simultaneous equations.

“Having a constant reminder on the Math-o-fax is helping maths to sink in more.”