Courses and Target Groups

S. Peter’s Mathematics Department has used three main courses:

1. Maths Concepts and Skills - This enables pupils to practice both computation and application skills. Mental skills and pen / paper methods can be further developed. This has been the main course used to target numeracy skills.

2. Algebra Topics - A wide range of 32 packages which focus on the development of algebraic skills for pupils of all ages.

3. Maths Investigations - Comprises 24 investigations to encourage problem solving approaches. Allows pupils to use their mathematical skills in context. Tasks are relatively closed.

Full details concerning these courses can be obtained from the Head of Department, the ILS Support Co-ordinator or the Mathematics Development Officer. Comprehensive literature is also on hand. The table below gives an indication of courses used by the target groups.

References to ILS courses are currently being integrated into the schemes of work and this will be developed further in the future.

Models of Learning

A variety of models have been tried and tested with all having been proved successful. It is therefore left for staff to judge which model best suits their group, whilst further evidence is collected.
A number of examples are listed below.

Maths Concepts and Skills

Used regularly by Year 7 for 20 minutes per session timetabled twice a week.

Model A - Divide lesson into four. The whole class are together at the start and end to consider the task in hand and to reflect on what they have learnt.

The middle part of the lesson then consists of half the class using ILS whilst the other half is working on other tasks appropriate to the schemes of work.

Model B - Divide the lesson into three. Half of the class start work on ILS whilst the other half work with the teacher. When groups swap round the member of staff repeats the lesson just given. All pupils then come together for the final part of the lesson.

In addition staff may wish to target pupils by allowing them extra sessions when appropriate. A lunchtime club exists for this purpose.

Algebra Topics

To start with all pupils should tackle the introductory package first.

Other packages can then be used to:

• develop new ideas
• practice techniques
• extend the more able pupils
• revise in preparation for formal assessments

Staff may wish to target specific pupils or use such packages with a whole class. Sessions are set to last 30 minutes so the class could be split into two or targetted pupils could work for longer whilst other pupils tackle different work.

Maths Investigations

There are some Ma 1 opportunities in this package. Sessions last for up to 30 minutes. Staff may wish to set a period of time over which particular investigations can be tackled. Write ups are to be encouraged and pupils can use the notebook facility.

Support is provided by the LEA Advisor for Mathematics.