Awesomenicity wasn't born in a boardroom...
It was born from a shared belief that math should be a subject that builds confidence, curiosity and joy, not fear.
As educators working across the globe, Hannah Woodhead and Caitlin Harrison saw the same challenges again and again.
Too many children were switching off from math, feeling anxious, and deciding it “wasn’t for them.” Teachers, too, felt the pressure, racing through content, ticking boxes and missing the chance to nurture deep understanding.
Together, they set out to change that story. Drawing on decades of experience in classrooms from Europe to Africa, from Australia to Asia, they created Awesomenicity. A math resource that reduces anxiety, removes barriers and helps every child see themselves as capable, curious mathematicians.
Their mission is simple but powerful, to break the cycle of math anxiety and open the door to success for every learner.
Meet the founders
Caitlin Harrison
Caitlin is an innovative educator and co-founder of Awesomenicity. With experience spanning remote Indigenous communities in Australia and international schools across the globe, she designs engaging, research-informed math lessons that inspire curiosity, build deep conceptual understanding, and foster confident learners.
An experienced consultant and workshop facilitator, Caitlin has presented internationally on conceptual math teaching and effective learning strategies.
She is passionate about empowering teachers with practical, creative approaches that make math meaningful, accessible, and enjoyable for every student.
Hannah Woodhead
Hannah is an experienced educator and co-founder of Awesomenicity. With more than 15 years’ experience in international schools across Kazakhstan, Czechia, and Malawi, she designs engaging, differentiated maths lessons that build confidence, develop critical thinking, and support every learner to thrive.
An experienced consultant and workshop facilitator, Hannah is passionate about empowering teachers with practical, innovative strategies that make maths meaningful, accessible, and enjoyable.
Through her work, she helps educators create inclusive classrooms where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed.
Built on thoughtful planning
and purposeful design.
Universal Design for Learning
Our approach is informed by Universal Design for Learning (UDL), creating engaging math experiences that empower every student to think and communicate with confidence.
By offering meaningful choices and multiple ways to explore and express mathematical thinking, we foster curiosity, motivation and deep understanding.
Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract
Our math lessons are built around the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach, allowing students to move flexibly between hands-on materials, visual models and abstract symbols.
This progression helps learners connect experiences with mathematical concepts, building confidence, deeper understanding and a more positive relationship with math.
Growth Mindset
Underpinned by Growth Mindset principles, students are encouraged to recognise that mathematical ability can be developed through effort, effective strategies and learning from mistakes.
By viewing challenges and errors as valuable parts of learning, we encourage persistence, curiosity and confidence. Students develop a resilient and motivated approach to mathematics, building belief in their ability to improve.
Cognitive Load Theory
Informed by Cognitive Load Theory, our approach carefully structures learning to reduce unnecessary cognitive demand and support effective learning.
Through clear instruction, engaging visuals and thoughtfully designed content, we support focus, deeper thinking and confident engagement with mathematical ideas.
Deep Inquiry and Conceptual Practices
Through conceptual and inquiry-based learning, students explore the reasoning behind mathematical ideas, developing understanding beyond memorised procedures.
Rich tasks encourage questioning, investigation and collaboration, helping learners make connections, take ownership of their thinking and build confidence as mathematicians.
Metacognitive Theory
Drawing on Metacognitive Theory, our approach supports students to become aware of their own mathematical thinking, strategies and learning processes.
Through opportunities to develop strategies, explain their reasoning and evaluate their approaches, learners develop greater independence, confidence and ownership of their mathematical learning.
Every child deserves to feel good about math.
Why Awesomenicity is different to other Math resources
Confidence first
Every lesson is designed to reduce math anxiety. No drills, no timers, no races, just a safe space where children believe “I can do this.”
Joyful learning
Inquiry, puzzles, visuals and games turn math into discovery, not a chore. Lessons encourage curiosity and keep children engaged.
Deeper understanding
Children move beyond memorisation to genuine understanding. Concepts become clear, meaningful and accessible.
Real world connections
Through meaningful real-world connections, learners see how math shapes and supports the world around them.
Start a free trial and explore confidence-first math
in action
