 Mathematics teachers and numeracy coordinators from District 3 seem elated to share ideas and best practices with the goal of refining strategies designed to help students understand and master mathematics. The symposium was held at the Finance Administrative Building recently under the theme, Mathematics is Real. Education Officer for District 3, Fransylet Lawrence, is excited about the release of a new District 3 policy on mathematics and the impact of the symposium on the schools within the education region. Let us strive to make mathematics experiences as real and relevant for students so that they see and speak and breathe mathematics on a daily basis. Remember the following. Mathematics is a journey and not a destination. It is a process and not only a product. Give a man to fish, rather than a real man. Give a person a fish and you feed him or her for a day. Teach a person to fish and you feed that person for a lifetime. Organizers think it's important to build excitement around the mathematics subject to ensure minimal stresses related with students' ability to advance and eventually become successful at passing mathematics examinations. District 3's numeracy coordinator, Rochelle Jabati says the cries for attention from students in the subject of mathematics are being heard and symposiums of this nature give a sensible reply to their needs. So teachers, we have to collaborate. We don't know it all. Some of us know a lot. Others know other things and we need to help each other. So we're here for this and to continue in our quest to get our students to perform better in the subject of mathematics. Of course the other subjects collaboration as well but we're here to look at mathematics. Teacher, artist and animation filmmaker Ted Sanderford gave the feature address at the 2023 Mathematics Symposium for District 3. He disclosed his earlier difficulties with mathematics and how he was able to rise above it. He said his love for art was greater than the hatred for mathematics. However, he encouraged teachers present to make mathematics instruction engaging for students to keep them focused and give them a fighting chance to make progress. Lack of hands-on activities that's neglecting to use manipulatives, interactive materials and practical examples can make maths seem dull and unengaging, especially in this day and age. Can't teach maths on a blackboard, makes no sense. Them kind of children are born and they can use a tablet already. Sanderford discouraged the use of fear and punishment to force children to do well at mathematics, saying this can create mathematics anxiety and push children further into disliking the subject. From the communications unit of the Department of Education, Innovation and Vocational Training, I am Chris Satney reporting.