Queensland school kids short-changed when it comes to basic life skills
A lack of basic maths and English skills is costing Australians thousands of dollars a year, according to a Queensland educator.
Michael Milford said the many Queensland kids that left school without a sufficient standard of general Maths and English were putting themselves at a disadvantage when it came to everyday tasks such as paying bills, taking out a mortgage or investing.
The 24-year-old Brisbane PhD student, who has just finished his third high school level educational resource, the Complete School package, has developed a free online course showing you how to save money and time with a few maths and English skills.
"Those that don’t do as well at school are getting ripped-off because they can’t perform basic calculations in later life," Mr Milford said.
"Most people have no idea how much easier their lives could be with just a little more practical Maths and English knowledge."
The Smartie or Sucker course shows people exactly how they can save money and time everyday. Each lesson has tips and examples such as how to save money at the shops and reduce the water and petrol bills.
"I created the course to show people, who may not realise it, how financially important it is that they know how to do basic Mathematics," he said.
Mr Milford is passionate about making maths and English education accessible to everyone. His high school educational kit, the Complete School package, includes textbooks and DVDs covering the entire school Mathematics and English curriculum. It is available from Dymocks at Indooroopilly and Chermside in Brisbane and aims to quickly bring anyone up to scratch on their English and Maths life skills.
"I wanted to create in one package something that would cover not only all of high school English and Mathematics but also skills a modern student needs such as researching using the Internet," Mr Milford said.
He said he was constantly frustrated seeing school kids give up or fall behind and the consequences that resulted in later life.
"The other day I was at a 50 percent off sale in the city. There was an announcement saying to not only take the existing 50 percent off, but a further 40 percent off that. Everyone went crazy because they thought they were getting 90 percent off," he said.
"I’d watch people pay and then have a confused look on their faces when they were told the actual price."
According to Mr Milford, some basic English and Maths knowledge can be applied in everyday life to save money and time.
"Another example where a bit of Maths is useful is the supermarket. If you can’t work out in your head which size packet is a better deal, you’re going to waste hundreds of dollars a year," he said.
"Quite often the products marked on special are in fact more expensive. But many people don’t ever realise they’re wasting money because they can’t do some quick comparisons in their head."
Mr Milford said he hoped to increase awareness of the practical benefits of Maths and English skills through his educational resources.
Information: Complete School is available at Dymocks Indooroopilly and Chermside and through the website www.completeschool.com.au The free online course can be found at http://www.completeschool.com.au/smartorsucker.shtml
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