The Story of Dyscalculia Pathway
Dyscalculia Pathway is an Australian-based resource hub set up specifically to help students who struggle with maths – particularly those with dyscalculia, maths learning difficulties and maths anxiety. Dyscalculia Pathway was founded by specialist dyscalculia tutor Catherine Rooke, (owner of Confidence 121) whose aim is to for every student to have positive maths experiences by making maths accessible and enjoyable for all.
Why We Exist
Catherine believes that every student can succeed in maths when they are taught in a way that makes sense to them. Her mission is to build maths confidence, reduce maths anxiety and give students the opportunity to understand and develop number sense through multi-sensory learning and a wide range of equipment (manipulatives).
Learn more about how dyscalculia affects your child here:
Our Approach
We make use of CPA – the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach, by combining manipulatives such as cuisennaire rods, rekenreks and fraction machines with clear visual explanations.
Alongside explicit teaching, a step-by-step process and the use of carefully asked questions, this approach ensures that students make progress and can see the progress they have made.
Furthermore, we recognise that many students, specifically those with dyscalculia ‘forget’ what they have learnt on a regular basis and frequently, when revisiting a topic, it is as if it is the first time of learning about it.
By being open with students about how their brain works, by making use of their strengths, this approach helps both students and parents understand their learning differences and over time come to accept them.
The techniques that are used to teach students with dyscalculia are also extremely effective for other students with learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia.
Our Founder
Dyscalculia Pathway was founded by Catherine Rooke, an experienced teacher and maths tutor, living in Sydney, Australia.
Catherine’s background in helping students with dyscalculia and maths anxieties began over 10 years ago when she first began tutoring students. The majority of students Catherine worked with were really struggling with maths and has low confidence. Through playing games, and teaching topics step-by-step, her students quickly began to enjoy learning about maths and improve their understanding.
Catherine is a qualified specialist dyscalculia tutor who founded Confidence 121, which is a tutoring service which is known for its inclusive and encouraging approach.
Our Vision
Catherine is creating a supportive community specifically for parents who want to understand dyscalculia better and give their the tools they need to thrive.
Too often, parents are left wondering why their child is struggling with maths so much and really want to help them, but are not sure how. Through Dyscalculia Pathway, Catherine wants to empower parents so that they feel that they can support their child in the best way possible.
Click below for practical ways to help your child build confidence in maths.
Download our free dyscalculia resources
Get in touch to find out how we can support you