Look at our boys all hard at work! This is Maths in action!

So far this term, my classes are focusing on getting their basic skills up to date – things like bonds (+ and -), and tables (x and )- and learning how to manipulate them e.g. 2 x 3 = 6; 20 x 30 = 600; 60 20 = 3. As the whole of high school Maths is about a ready-to-hand knowledge of tables and bonds, these are essential skills.

But, its not all about paperwork. I have made a few games and sometimes we use these (especially on a Friday!) to revise and hone skills…. And it can get quite competitive! Over and above the actual curriculum content that we cover, there is the underlying learning that will prepare the boys for the way forward… things like learning to write numbers in their correct place values; writing numbers neatly and legibly; how to set up their books and take pride in their work; how to sit a “test situation” correctly. We also do a bit of “Mindset” so that we change the negative speak of “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do it …yet!”.

We are an awesome department; we want our boys to do well in this subject. Please support them to revise their learning at home using Mathspace as the extra practice does improve their ability to succeed.

Kia Ora, 

Caro Vinnicombe: WSL Numeracy