YOUNGSTERS in Woodford Green have been rewarded for their efforts in improving their mathematic skills.

Children attending the Kumon Maths Centre have received recognition by the club and picked up awards at a special ceremony last week.

The event took place at the Woodford Green United Reform Church and awards were presented by Sally-Anne Huk, who is head of mathematics at Bancroft's School.

Youngsters also learnt how they have received recognition nationally. Their efforts and achievements have been placed on an advanced student roll by the Kumon organisation.

The roll, published twice a year, lists all students who have reached an exceptional level of achievement relative to their age.

Pupils received special certificates which showed they had reached a gold, silver or bronze level.

The organisation runs over 500 Kumon Centres, including the one at Woodford Green. The course follows a programme designed for children of all ages and abilities, giving them ways of solving maths problems in different ways and at their own pace.

It was originally devised over 40 years ago by a Japanese teacher who wanted to help his own son. It is designed to complement school work with extra practice.

The Woodford Green centre is run by Rosemary Rotbart, who said the Kumon way is enabling youngsters, many of whom find the subject difficult, to learn new skills and confidence.

Mrs Rotbart said: Kumon's maths programmes are highly structured. All students get assessed and begin a programme at a level designed for them. Starting like this gives a boost to children's confidence.

Speaking about the awards and the national recognition, Mrs Rotbart said: This was particularly motivating for the children who have worked hard to reach the targets set by Kumon.

The Kumon class aims to show children that learning maths can be fun. There is work set out for them, some homework and we encourage daily practice.

All this helps them to realise that maths needn't be a mountain to climb, they can be fun. Special stickers and certificates are often handed out to all students for good work which adds to the atmosphere of fun and achievement.

The centre also runs English programmes. For more details on the Kumon Centre, call Rosemary Rotbart on 8505 6512.