School maths results would get a major boost in South Africa if more kids did sport, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Newcastle in the UK analysed information from more than 6400 children born in 2000 to 2001, and discovered that children who take part in organised sports - dancing, swimming, football and many others - are one and a half times more likely to reach higher grades than expected in mathematics by age 11.Former primary school teacher and current head of Tshepang Educare Trust, Judith Andrew, said this information could be applied locally to positive effect.She said: "This is very important information for South African schools. It is sad to note that extra-mural activities like sport seem to be offered less at disadvantaged schools these days."Educators used to offer extramural several times a week but now tend to walk out of school as the bell rings at end of the day."Andrew said extra-murals "build a child's confidence, health and sense of wellbeing".Sadly, however, many extra-murals now cost money "and this is not possible for children living in disadvantaged communities".The researchers say the sense of achievement learners get from organised sport motivates them to do well in their academic studies too.The study's lead researcher, Dr Emily Tanner, said: "The chance of experiencing success in sports raises pupils' confidence and self-esteem. Activities like after school clubs can help a child value school in a new way and establish stronger relationships with staff."She said sports also "enhanced social skills and generates a positive experience of school" and that "for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who have lower take-up of formal out-school activities, school-based clubs appear to offer an affordable and inclusive means of supporting academic attainment."The research comes days after Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said her department was facing "a shortage of qualified mathematics teachers" and that they had teamed up with nongovernmental organisation Teach South Africa to address this.Last year, the World Economic Forum ranked South African education at schools in mathematics and science the lowest out of 148 countries...