Overview of the Multiply Project

The Multiply project, part of an initiative aimed at improving adult numeracy skills across Wales, has been a significant force in addressing adult numeracy needs in Carmarthenshire. It focuses on developing essential numeracy skills in a variety of settings, using practical and engaging methods to meet the needs of adult learners. One such session, delivered at Links Mental Health Charity, involved an innovative approach, combining the art of pyrography with essential numeracy skills, creating a holistic learning experience for participants.

Course Details: Pyrography at Links Mental Health Charity

Held at the Links Mental Health Charity, the most recent Multiply session, led by Deborah Jenkins- Doyle, used pyrography—a creative art form that involves burning designs into wood—while focusing on key numeracy concepts. The course was tailored to adults seeking to develop their numeracy skills through hands-on, practical activities. Deborah’s approach was effective in blending artistic expression with vital mathematical principles, ensuring that learners were not only engaging in a creative process but also enhancing their numeracy skills in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Numeracy Integration in the Pyrography Session

Throughout the pyrography session, Deborah intentionally incorporated several elements of numeracy to help learners build and strengthen their skills. These included:

• Understanding and Using Shapes and Sizes: Learners were encouraged to consider the dimensions of wood, discussing the different shapes they would use for their pyrography designs. The session focused on understanding the relationship between shapes and sizes, which led to deeper discussions on proportion and measurement.

• Measuring Temperature: One of the core discussions involved temperatures, specifically the hottest temperature a pyrography tool can reach—1100 degrees Celsius. This brought attention to numerical concepts such as the measurement of temperature and the importance of precision in different contexts.

• Metric Ruler Use: Learners practiced using a metric ruler to measure the length and width of their designs. This allowed them to apply basic measurement skills, reinforcing the importance of accuracy when creating art.

• Fractions and Division: A key numeracy element was the division of their designs into halves and quarters. Deborah explained how to halve diagonally, which provided an opportunity for learners to practice fractions and division in a real-world scenario.

• Positive and Negative Space: This concept, crucial in the art of pyrography, was also connected to numeracy. Learners discussed the ratio of positive to negative space in their

designs, and how understanding this relationship can affect the outcome of their work.

• Proportion and Dimensions: Throughout the session, learners explored proportionality in their designs. By using numeracy skills, they were able to adjust their artwork to fit specific dimensions and proportions, which encouraged a deeper understanding of measurement concepts.

Tutor’s Feedback

Deborah Jenkins-Doyle, the tutor for the session, shared her positive reflections on the experience. She highlighted the welcoming atmosphere at the venue and the eagerness of the learners. Deborah noted, “I had a fabulous time down in Llanelli. A lovely venue with such lovely learners, and the staff were so welcoming.” This sentiment reflected the positive relationship between learners and staff, as well as the success of the course in fostering a supportive learning environment.

Tutor’s Insights: Responses to Key Questions

In order to gain further insight into the success of embedding numeracy into the pyrography course, we asked Deborah several questions about her approach and the impact on learners’ skills. Here are her responses:

1. The way you approached the embedding of numeracy into your planning for the sessions. “I spent time thinking about areas of numeracy that could naturally be embedded into a Pyrography session without it being ‘too obvious!’ I wanted the learners to be carrying out various numeracy tasks whilst feeling relaxed and having fun.”

• The progression/development of learners’ numeracy skills that you witnessed. “Some learners had no idea of measuring or even how to use a ruler accurately. One learner was unaware of the meaning of imperial or metric. When they were able to measure, for example, the diameter of a piece of wood, they felt a great sense of achievement.”

• Your professional thoughts on the contextualised approach to the delivery of numeracy through Pyrography (and Arts & Crafts in general). “The contextualised approach to the delivery of numeracy through all of the Arts & Crafts I have delivered has worked exceptionally well. The Art and Craft areas of Pyrography and Cupcake Decorating have enabled me to deliver sessions where the learners can relate to and understand the importance of numeracy in ‘real-life’ situations. Prior to these courses, many learners connected numeracy to maths classes in school, which many of them disliked. However, realising that numeracy exists in everyday life has given them a feeling of confidence going forward.”

Learner Work

Learner Feedback

The learners themselves expressed great satisfaction with the course. One learner shared that they enjoyed the course and felt it helped them develop not only their artistic skills but also their numeracy skills, saying, “I really enjoyed the course and I developed my Welsh language skills.” This feedback underscores the dual benefits of the course: learners were able to explore and expand their creativity while simultaneously improving their mathematical abilities.

Conclusion

The pyrography session at Links Mental Health Charity exemplifies the success of the Multiply project in Carmarthenshire, combining the practical application of numeracy skills with a creative and therapeutic art form. Deborah Jenkins-Doyle’s teaching approach, which integrated mathematical concepts like measurement, fractions, proportions, and temperature into the artistic process, not only made numeracy more accessible but also helped learners develop practical skills that are relevant to their everyday lives. The positive feedback from both learners and the tutor reinforces the value of such innovative courses in enhancing adult numeracy through engaging, hands-on experiences.

This session is a testament to the power of combining art with numeracy to foster skill development in an enjoyable and supportive environment. The Multiply project continues to make significant strides in improving numeracy skills for adults across Carmarthenshire, ensuring that learners develop the essential skills needed for personal and professional growth.