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Lower School Curriculum

The Ginn Abacus Scheme is used throughout Lower School with other textbooks being used to supplement when necessary. This follows a cycle of topics, which are reinforced and extended every half term. We feel it is very important that the correct foundation work is established. Children come from several different pre-prep schools and therefore some time in Year 3 is spent on basic computation and consolidation of work taught in their previous school.

Emphasis is placed on:

• The practical handling of data and material.
• The layout and presentation of calculations.
• Understanding of the Four Operations and their application:
• (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
• The development of a range of skills that will achieve a grasp of the various concepts that are covered in Years 3 - 5.
• The ability to perform mental calculations and estimate a reasonable answer.
• Practical problem-solving and investigations.

We expect each child to spend as much time as possible on learning and understanding the multiplication tables 1-10. Some topics may need much repetition and may be approached from various viewpoints in order to reinforce them. Practical activities and games are an important aspect of the Maths curriculum.

Each year group is arranged into four sets for all their Maths lessons in which teaching is focused to the needs of that group. Children may be moved between these groups depending on their progress.

During his/her time in the Lower School a child will cover the following:

• Place value to 10,000;
• Four operations of number: addition, subtraction, division, multiplication;
• Measure - mass, distance, time;
• Area, perimeter and volume;
• Shape - two and three-dimensional figures;
• Symmetry;
• Graphs and data handling;
• Simple fractions and decimals;
• Probability and problem solving;
• Money - including familiarity with the use of coins;
• Use of a calculator;
• Using and applying mathematics.

Lessons frequently include mental arithmetic as a warm up to the main topic. Group work and discussion form an important part of the curriculum and children are encouraged to develop their predictive skills and to correct their own mistakes. Our aim is to stimulate interest, increase confidence and stretch each child.

Standardised assessment tests are used to monitor progress throughout the Lower School.

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Upper School Curriculum

Prep

Year 6

1 x 30 minute prep per week

Year 7

1 x 45 minute prep per week

Year 8

1 x 45 minute prep per week

Pupils have 5 periods a week in Year 6 and 4 periods per week in Years 7 & 8 for mathematics (lessons are of fifty minute duration). In Years 6, 7 & 8 children are grouped into sets for maths according to their ability, previous performance and the recommendations of maths staff. These sets are reviewed regularly.

Curriculum Enrichment for Gifted and Talented Pupils in Mathematics

Using and applying maths projects and investigations are incorporated into the curriculum to develop thinking and problem-solving skills.

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