Multiply - Scottish Borders

Multiply is a UK Government funded programme, launched as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), to help transform the lives of adults across by improving their numeracy skills.

The Scottish Borders Multiply Team are offering a range of free adult numeracy programmes which aim to increase your confidence in using maths in daily life, at home and at work.

We offer bespoke formal and informal learning opportunities to suit your needs. Including courses such as:

  • To increase your confidence and skills in using numbers
  • Allowing you to study for a numeracy qualification
  • Developing your everyday maths skills for managing money, cooking, gardening etc

 

Who can apply?

The programme is open to residents of the Scottish Borders aged 19 and over, who do not currently hold a maths qualification at National 5 or above.

FIND OUT MORE

If you want to improve your number skills, email us and we can help. You can also complete the registration form to apply for the courses and we'll get back to you.

Currently available Programmes

View what's available
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    MAGICAL MATHSY STRING ART DAY

    Our final drop in workshop of the year!

    Join us to play with pattern and colour...make unique seasonal decorations for your home and the Little Art Hub.

    You will be counting, measuring, adding up and making many shapes, angles and curves as you go along. This is a fun way to notice & learn a bit of maths as you let your creativity go wild with patterns .

    We will be using reclaimed materials and you can carry on at home with readily available materials cardboard and wool.

    All ages (including adults!) and abilities are welcome. Parents/carers must accompany children.

    Just drop in no need to book. Remember its also the Christmas Heartland Market day in town so you can visit all the fabulous local stalls as well!

    Important Details:

    Saturday 7th December
    10.30am-2pm
    Little Art Hub, 17 Channel Street, Galashiels

    The venue is wheelchair accessible but the toilet is not fully accessible, although there is one nearby at the Tapestry.

    Transform Arts CIC are grateful for funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and a generous donation from Channel Street Limited

    Presenting Data with Confidence!

    FREE Public Speaking Workshops – Presenting Data with Confidence!

    Presenting can be intimidating, especially when it comes to effectively incorporating statistics, graphs, and numbers into your message. Handling numerical data during a presentation can feel overwhelming, and making it accessible to your audience can be a real challenge.

    Multiply and the Professional Performance Association have teamed up to offer two FREE workshops specifically designed to help you develop the confidence and skills to present numerical data with clarity and impact. These workshops will guide you through essential techniques for communicating complex data clearly, ensuring your audience stays engaged and informed.

    These workshops are open to residents of the Scottish Borders, aged 19+, who do not currently hold a National 5 Maths qualification or higher.

    Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to gain essential presentation skills that will set you apart!

     

    Important Details:

    Dates: 15th January to 19th February 2025.

    Location: Breather Yoga and Wellness Studios, Old Halyrude School, Peebles, EH45 8LH

     

    Email for further information

    STRING ART COURSE - FREE

    Try your hand at creating visually stunning designs using coloured strings. Learn simple patterns and shapes then build and layer them to create amazing effects! Some simple geometry and calculations will be a part of the creative process.

    Making the maths bit colourful, fun and practical! This course aims to give you alternative ways to gain confidence with maths, while enjoying getting creative.

    Maybe this could help you with work, kids schoolwork, everyday tasks, or inspire you to learn more? This course is aimed at anyone age 19+ (or 16+ if not in work or education) without Nat 5 or above (standard grade/o level). However if you feel you would benefit from this course and you do have a qualification please get in touch it might still be for you!

    Using cardboard and wooden forms we will start off experimenting with patterns and shapes then build and layer them, and work bigger, to create amazing artistic effects! Some simple geometry and calculations will be a part of the creative process. We aim to make the maths bit colourful and fun, so you learn through the practical making process.

    For many seeing things visually can help with understanding them, It won’t be like school we will figure out the maths together and create fantastic art !

    By the end of the course you will have some pieces to take home and display with pride or give as a gift, and we will make something collaborative for the window of the Little Art Hub. All materials provided. This will be an accessible course for those of all levels of ability and experience, carers welcome let us know ideally.

    Important Details:

    5 Week Course: Tuesday 14th January - 11th February (Tuesdays, 10:30 to 1pm)
    Little Art Hub, 17 Channel Street, Galashiels

    The venue is wheelchair accessible but the toilet is not fully accessible, although there is one nearby at the Tapestry.

    A STITCH IN TIME!

    At Birkhill House Logo

    At Birkhill House CIC is a not-for-profit animal assisted activity and crafting centre near Earlston. These sessions offer parents, carers and/ or guardians an opportunity to brush up on their numeracy skills and then put these to good use with their children.

    We are offering two seven-week blocks of FREE sewing sessions that will focus on creating numeracy-themed story bags. Attendees will be taught how to measure and prepare materials and patterns for the bags & contents and then sew the items together. They are then welcome to take these bags away with them and use them to engage with the children in their lives.

    These sessions will be led by textile artist Mairi Flood, who has a background in early years provision.

    Important Details:

    Block 2 (2025): 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th January 6th & 13th February
    Sessions will run on Thursday mornings from 9.30am-12noon.

    Block 3 (2025): Sunday 12th January 10-4pm, 19th, 26th January and 2nd February 2025 from 1-3:30pm.

    Birkhill House, Earlston TD4 6AR

    Times can be flexible to accommodate nursery drop-off and collection. Tea/coffee & snacks included at no cost. Participants are welcome to stay for lunch, which will be provided for free.

    We are also able to help toward transport costs to travel to Birkhill, which is two miles north of Earlston along the A68. It is on a bus route, with a five-to-ten-minute walk to our gate. There are eight spaces available in each of the two blocks. Places will be granted on a first come, first served basis.

     

    Email for further information

    MATHS IN THE BATH – FOR PARENTS/CARERS OF 0-5's

    Dive into everyday maths learning with your little ones—yes, even in the bath!
    Join Elisabeth Kelly for exciting and interactive workshops where you’ll explore creative ways to weave maths into fun activities with the curious minds in your life! These special sessions are popping up in local libraries across the Scottish Borders, so don’t miss out!

    Important Details:

    Peebles Library
    Tues 5th Nov 10-11am

    Eyemouth Library
    Thurs 5th Dec 10-11am

    Kelso Library
    Tues 21st Jan 10-11am

    Email for further information

    ONE TO ONE MATHS TUITION FOR ADULTS

    Scottish Borders Council logo

    Are you looking to build or rebuild your confidence with numbers? Our personalized numeracy tuition is designed specifically for adults who want a gentle introduction back into learning. Whether you're aiming to achieve a numeracy qualification or simply want to master the basics at your own pace, we're here to support you.

    What We Offer:

    • Personalized Learning: Tailored lessons that focus on your unique needs and goals.
    • Flexible Scheduling: Learn at a time and place that suits your lifestyle.
    • Friendly and Patient Tutors: Our tutors are experienced, approachable, and dedicated to helping you succeed.
    • Confidence Building: Gain the skills and confidence you need to handle everyday numbers with ease.

    Whether you're looking to refresh your skills or take the first step towards a qualification, our one-to-one tuition provides a supportive and encouraging environment. Start your journey back into learning today!

    Important Details:

    Email for further information

    FIRST-CLASS LEARNING

    First Class Learning logo

    Want to feel empowered to support your child’s numeracy development?

    Completing a FREE 12-week course with First Class Learning will help you to build your own confidence in maths, so that supporting your children with their school work becomes a breeze.

    Using developed knowledge gained from a First Class Learning course, you’ll be able to pass on your new skills to your children, giving them the essential tools to excel in school and life.

    Important Details:

    Venue: Office 4, Unit 5, West End House, Melrose TD6 9RU

    Email for further information or to book your place

    MICREA NUMERACY AND SCIENCE LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH WORK PLACEMENT

    Micrea logo

    Does the idea of a career in science interest you? Have you always felt that this was out of reach? A course at Micrea could be just right for you!

    You don’t need to have a qualification in science, or be great at maths, all you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and an interest in science.

    Micrea is proud to present a unique 10-week course that bridges everyday numeracy with the intriguing world of science and technology.

    Participants will end their course with a credible reference upon completion and a potential job offer.

    Course Highlights:

    • Improve your numeracy knowledge and get involved in practical lab sessions.
    • Receive hands-on work experience in professional lab settings.
    • End your course with a credible reference upon completion.
    • Benefit from personalised individual support, catering to individual learning needs.
    • Engage with knowledgably Scientists and engineers along with our collaborators within the research and development sector.
    • Networking opportunities with various professionals.

    Important Details:

    Duration: 10 weeks, 60 hours in total per participant.
    Location: Micrea Labs, Micrea Ltd, 8 Riverside Mill, Jedburgh, TD8 6EE

    with potential virtual sessions.

    Course is FREE to participants.

     

    Inclusivity is our priority, Micrea welcomes everyone regardless of background or current skill level, offering an inclusive learning experience, Provisions are available to remove any barriers to participation.

     

    TABLETOP ROLE-PLAYING GAMES AND BOARD GAMES

    cameron hall logo

    Need some help with maths skill or have maths anxiety? Want a fun way to upskill your maths while playing one of the world's favourite role-playing games Dungeons & Dragons?

    This six-week course will introduce you to Dungeons and Dragons, how to play, a short campaign (connected stories), and help you with the underlying maths skills and concepts. Meet new people, form friendships, and go on grand adventures.

    Playing Dungeons and Dragons can help those with maths anxiety or who need a little help with basic numeracy skills, such as budgeting. All materials and equipment will be provided, and participants will get their own set of dice to take home!

    At a location near you, contact the Multiply team to find out more.

    FREE Cookery Classes - Café Recharge

    Does measuring get you muddled? Worried about weighing? Relaxed cookery classes with Amy and Amanda from Café Recharge. Improve your confidence in maths and numeracy whilst cooking delicious food. Gain a food hygiene certificate. Available for age 19+.

    Important Information:

    Monday 13th January 2025, 6-8pm

    Location: Café Recharge, 58 Island Street, Galashiels

    Email for information

    ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING SAFE OPEN WATER ACTIVITIES

    Want to confidently plan safe and fun open water adventures like swimming, paddleboarding, or surfing?

    Join St Abbs Charters and take part in one of their FREE 6-week course and gain all the essential skills you need to enjoy the water safely!

    What you’ll learn:

    • How to read tide tables, weather maps, and marine charts
    • Use of compasses and understanding weather & tide apps
    • Recognising and reacting to emergency situations in the water
    • The science behind cold water's impact on the body and how to stay safe
    • Basic first aid, CPR, and defibrillator skills

    With so much conflicting info out there, this course will give you practical knowledge to make informed, safe decisions about your open water activities! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, these sessions are perfect for anyone keen to boost their water safety and numeracy skills.

    Where: 26 High St, Eyemouth TD14 5EU

    Workshop starts: Monday 13th January 7.30-9pm for 6 weeks

    Air Fryer Maths: Cooking Up Numeracy Skills!

    Join us for an exciting community course designed to boost your numeracy skills while mastering the art of air frying! This hands-on workshop will not only teach you how to make delicious meals but will also incorporate essential maths such as measurements, timing, budgeting, and nutritional calculations. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this practical course aims to make maths enjoyable and relevant to everyday life.

    Workshop will include:

    • Introduction to Air Frying
    • Understanding units of measurement (grams, litres, cups) and conversions
    • Ingredient Exploration and Quantity Calculations
    • Recipes for air-fried dishes: Estimating and adjusting quantities
    • Scaling recipes up or down for different portion sizes
    • Importance of timing in air frying
    • Learning how to price out ingredients
    • Keeping costs within budget
    • Calculating serving sizes and nutritional values based on recipes
    • Healthy swaps

     

    Who Should Attend

    This course is perfect for anyone looking to improve their cooking skills and maths abilities in a fun, supportive and fun environment.

    No previous cooking or math experience is necessary!

     

    Registration:

    Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!

    Run by Newcastleton and District Community Trust

    Workshop Starts: 14th January to 19th February 2025, 6-7.30pm for 5 weeks and 3 more

    Where:  Buccleuch House, 4 South Hermitage Street, TD9 0QR

    Introducing Creativity

    A creative and crafty class to suit all adults including Crystal Art, Origami, Cross Stitch, Beaded Bracelets, Mosaic. Emphasis on fun and learning, no previous experience required all kits are provided.

    Duns Library

    10th January 2025
    1 – 3pm for 6 weeks

    Kelso Library

    8th January 2025
    10am – 11.30am for 6 weeks

    Learn to Draw - beginners course

    This free workshop offers professional guidance with inspiring subjects like surreal landscapes and still life. Participants can experiment with various mediums and paper surfaces. All materials and refreshments are provided, and the venue is fully accessible. Whether you want to relax or learn observational drawing techniques, this workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone looking to improve their drawing skills.

    The Little Art Hub
    17 Channel Street Galashiels TD1 1BJ

    18th January 2025
    2 – 5pm for 6 weeks.

    Number Ninjas: Family Fun with Maths Early Years

    An interactive program that helps parents and children explore numeracy together through engaging activities, making math fun and easy to integrate into daily life.

    Burnfoot Early Years Centre, Kenilworth Avenue, Hawick TD9 8EQ

    13th January 2025
    10am-12pm for 6 weeks

     

    Numeracy and Drumming

    A dynamic session that blends rhythm with numeracy! Participants will explore the connection between drumming and numbers through interactive activities and rhythmic exercises. This session will improve timing, coordination, and numerical understanding. Join us for a lively experience where math and music come together for fun and learning.

     

    Burnfoot Community Hub,

    89 Burnfoot Road, Hawick,

    TD9 8EJ

    22nd January 2025 for 3 weeks

    10.30am  - 12.00noon