Primary Singaporean textbooks St. Werburgh’s C.E. (A) Primary School, Kingsley

Maths – No Problem!

Maths – No Problem! Adopts the mastery teaching approach from Singapore, adapted for children living in the UK. Aligned to match the demands of the Primary National Curriculum 2014. Allows both Teachers and pupils to explore and master each topic in depth.

Trialled at St. Werburgh’s since January 2015, initially with Year 1 cohort. Extended to Year 2 since September 2015. Teachers and Numeracy subject leader have both attended face-to-face and online training to support delivery.

Components of ‘Maths – No Problem!’ Year 1 and Year 2 both have Textbooks A and B.

Both Year groups also have Workbooks A and B, to match the content of the Textbooks. Access to a website is also provided, offering a planning resource and IWB activities.

What works well? Children’s development of mathematical reasoning and language. CPA approach engages learners. Pupil motivation. Mini-plenaries to share/clarify learning. Development of Problem Solving approach. Practical resources – counters, cubes, Numicon, tens frames etc. Journals?

What works well? Questioning skills - ‘Open’ questions: How do you know? Can you explain what your friend is thinking? Is that the only way? Is there another way? Is it possible? Have we found all of the ways?

Challenges… Textbooks – can be a bit wordy for the beginning of Year 1. Workbooks – weight/size. Differentiation. No ability groupings. Same day interventions. Journals?

…solutions Be selective over Workbook pages used. Pupil discussion – paired /group engagement. Finding all possible ways to solve a problem. Children to devise own challenges. Willingness to embrace change of teaching approach by staff. Support your staff.

Impact of Singaporean Maths…. from our perspective. Provides the children with a more robust understanding of Maths in the following areas: Place value Number: + and - Number: X and ÷ Fractions Position and direction

Statistically A recent NCETM report, (September 2015), collated findings from schools involved in the Singaporean style textbook trial. The following percentages were reported:

Positive impact on children’s attitude to Maths. 91% The project has achieved overall success. 92% Increased Teacher subject knowledge (93%) and confidence in teaching Maths (91%) Positive impact on children’s attitude to Maths. 91% Positive impact on children’s attainment. 90%

What our children think… “It’s exciting because you can have help with your partners.” “If you don’t know something and your partner does, they can help you.”

More thoughts from our children... “We like working in a team as your friends can help you to find the answer.” “We do lots of fun things and that makes us happy.”