Improving the quality of our primary maths curriculum - NRich Training by Fran Watson

Whilst proud of the fact that we have been crowned Asia’s best Maths school for the past two consecutive years in the FOBISIA (Federation of British International School In Asia) Maths Championships, as a school we do not sit back reflecting on the past.

Instead, we strive to ensure our teachers are looking forward at the quality of our provision in this vital subject. The mark of a truly great mathematician is the ability, to not just have a great understanding of all related skills in mathematics, but to be able to apply those skills in unfamiliar situations and be able to explain their choice of answer or approach; we call this reasoning. There are no better leaders of reasoning in the English National Curriculum subject Maths than the organisation based out of Cambridge University, NRich. This non-for-profit organisation believes that, with the application of their resources, schools should be able to enrich and enhance the experience of the mathematics curriculum for all learners, whilst developing mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ms Fran Watson, an expert based in Cambridge University, has been with us on the Junior Campus for the last three days providing engaging and challenging opportunities for all of our class teachers. Whilst providing several whole school meetings for staff, the bulk of her knowledge sharing has been organised through opportunities for staff to observe her in action with a number of classes in each year group. In next week’s bulletin, the Maths Leadership Team of Andy James, John Handscombe, Robert Wilson and Neil Gorton will feedback further with highlights of the week Ms Fran Watson spent with BIS HCMC, including her two days next week at the EY&IC – lookout for that. I am sure we will begin to see the benefits of Fran’s NRich-ing visit over the next months and that our students will grow even more in this vital subject.

Mr Chris McKelvie, Deputy Headteacher