Edinburgh Academy
The world of numbers
We aim to offer all our pupils a mathematical programme of high quality. Using a variety of approaches, we hope to develop in each pupil a positive attitude towards mathematics, an enquiring mind, and the necessary skills and knowledge. To achieve this we constantly seek to improve the quality of our teaching and this means adapting to new demands.
Modern Changes
Mathematics teaching has undergone several significant changes in recent years and we at the Edinburgh Academy welcome those that will genuinely raise standards.
The most obvious change has been the introduction of 'Interactive Mental Maths' as a key feature of our maths lessons. We emphasise the development of flexible methods of mental calculation as an alternative to over-reliance on the narrow use of written methods.
Another new emphasis is on classroom interaction - the importance of children thinking aloud about their Maths and talking through mathematical processes with their teacher and their peers. This helps to develop the confidence to use a range of strategies in problem solving situations.
To accommodate the range of ability in Mathematics classes we introduce setting in Primary Four to facilitate the extension of interactive, whole class teaching that has been so successful in recent years.
The mathematics programme
ResourcesWe use the Scottish Heinemann Mathematics scheme as a key resource, but we have many other resources notably the Folens Mathematics Programme. We have used all the best resources to create a balanced Mathematics Programme that spreads the teaching of key concepts over each year of the Junior School to allow for steady reinforcement of learning points. Whilst we are aiming to reduce unnecessary repetition in other parts of our curriculum, in Maths we recognise that repetition and revisiting concepts frequently is fundamental to ensuring that the building blocks of mathematical understanding are in place. |
Fun with numbersHowever, we do emphasise the need to give Maths a context within the curriculum, wherever possible. Practical activities in measuring using a range of units, pupils taking surveys and using the information to make their own graphs, explorations of the beauty of line symmetry - all these things help to knock on the head the idea that Maths is boring! An important point this, since it can often be a subject from which children switch off at an early age. |
Across the currciulumMathematics has a part to play in studies across the curriculum and skills such as measuring and data handling are developed in Environmental Studies as well as being studied in their own right. |
EnjoyableWe believe that our approach - a balance of rigorous teaching of the basics with an active, problem solving and practical approach to mathematical challenges - keeps the subject enjoyable all the way through to Primary 6. |
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