For many children, mathematics is a subject to fear. In Mrs Andhika Mahabeer’s classroom, it becomes a language they learn to speak with confidence, curiosity and joy.

She is a highly accomplished and passionate Mathematics educator at Edgemead Primary School, where she is Grade 4 Head and Head of Mathematics for Grades 1–7. For more than 26 years, she has contributed steadily to quality maths education, learner development, curriculum leadership and the growth of her fellow teachers.

A Classroom Where Every Learner Counts

Guided by Galileo’s words, Mrs Mahabeer designs lessons that help learners see mathematics as meaningful, practical and connected to the world around them.

Her classroom is inclusive, learner-centred and built on a growth mindset. Mistakes aren’t failures. They are chances to learn, and every learner is encouraged to take part with confidence.

Teaching for the 21st Century

Her teaching is innovative and adapted to the needs of today’s learners. She uses a wide range of proven methods:

• The Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach, moving learners from hands-on objects to pictures to abstract thinking
• Gradual Release of Responsibility, building independence step by step
• Flipped learning, peer tutoring and collaborative problem-solving
• Hands-on resources such as Lego, dice and scale models

She also uses digital platforms, including Kahoot, Wayground, Greenshoots and Class Dojo, to improve assessment, engagement and feedback. She prepares blended-learning resources so that learning continues even when school is disrupted.

Leading Mathematics Across the School

As Head of Mathematics, Mrs Mahabeer oversees how maths is taught and how it progresses from Grade 1 to Grade 7. She:

• Supports educators with curriculum planning
• Analyses learner performance data
• Identifies targeted interventions to improve results

Building Young Competitors

She actively encourages learners to test themselves beyond the classroom. She makes sure learners enter the Mathematics Olympiad, encourages younger learners to try the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition, and has increased both participation and success in the Horizon Mathematics Competition.

A Vibrant Maths Culture

Outside the formal curriculum, Mrs Mahabeer has built a lively maths culture at Edgemead Primary through:

• The Maths Club
• The C-Cubed Rubik’s Cube Club
• The STEM Club
• A peer-tutoring programme

In her school, maths isn’t confined to a timetable slot. It is something learners choose, enjoy and celebrate.

Growing the Teachers Who Grow Learners

Her influence reaches well beyond her own classroom. She mentors new and student teachers, supports colleagues, takes part in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and works with subject advisers and neighbouring schools.

Through the Maths Congress (MCO), she started a mentorship initiative with another school, strengthening professional learning and collaboration between them. She has also presented at Mathematics congresses.

Shaping Maths Education Nationally

Mrs Mahabeer is currently reviewing and co-authoring the Grade 4–6 Mathematics textbook series for Oxford University Press. Her expertise will reach classrooms and learners across South Africa.

A Global Educator

She is committed to lifelong learning. She attends conferences and seminars, has completed Microsoft educator courses and belongs to international professional networks.

Through an international educator WhatsApp community, she mentored a teacher in Rwanda in setting up a Maths Club, helping advance maths education beyond South Africa’s borders.

Her school’s twinning partnership with Taiwan also gives learners international exposure, cross-cultural understanding and a wider view of education around the world.

Shaping Young Minds That Will Shape the World

Through deep subject knowledge, inclusive teaching, enrichment programmes, collaboration with colleagues and work at national and international level, Mrs Andhika Mahabeer has built a lasting culture where learners become confident, curious and capable young mathematicians.

She doesn’t just teach children to solve equations. She teaches them to use mathematics to understand their world, and one day to shape it.

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Mrs Andhika Mahabeer will be honoured at the Influential Awards 2026 – Cape Town Edition, Sunday 29 November 2026, Joseph Stone Auditorium, Athlone.