Darts part of Government maths plan

People are being encouraged to improve their maths skills by playing darts, in a government campaign at the World Professional Darts Championships this week.

The Get On campaign, in partnership with the British Darts Organisation, is sending TV presenter Johnny Ball to join the minister for further education Sion Simon to talk to spectators at the event.

The campaign has sent darts themed maths equipment to hundreds of colleges across the country since its creation in 2005.

It is now targeting the biggest darts competition in the world, in an attempt to improve people^s chances of finding employment.

Mr Ball said: "So often people don^t realise how much maths is part of their day to day life but as research shows, by brushing up on your maths skills you are far more likely to hit the magic 180."

Mr Simon said: "As well as improving your darts score, brushing up on your maths skills can help you get on in work, earn more money and help your kids with their homework.

"Around 6.8 million adults struggle with their maths skills, which is why partnerships with the British Darts Organisation are so important."

Research by the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy shows that people who lack GCSE level maths will struggle to get half of the jobs available, whereas those with the qualification can earn up to £50,000 more over their lifetime. For more information call freephone 0800 66 0800.

Stort By: Press Association

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