Improving our Maths Curriculum

The Kensington campus, together with Hampstead, has established a maths committee that has reviewed our existing curriculum. In doing this, we have added emphasis to mental maths, understanding of important concepts, real life application and exploration of ideas in a more investigative manner to move away from the notion that maths is simply a subject of right and wrongs.

This month, we were fortunate to have Mike Askew deliver an inspiring workshop on the place of creativity within maths. Mike is a professor of mathematics education at King's College London, and gave our staff lots of practical ideas to use with our classes to engage students in a creative manner, while at the same time developing an understanding and use of essential mathematical concepts.

Mike recognised the importance of fluency of number facts and using equipment such as a ruler, as well as having children explore a variety of strategies to solve problems. The focus of the workshop was, however, the creative application of ideas so that children themselves were mathematicians using, applying and playing with concepts.

Mike also spent time with the maths committee who are currently revising our primary maths curriculum. He commended us on the work that we were doing as well as suggesting other possibilities for us to ensure an effective maths curriculum.