School Improvement Service

Areas of work

Improving Primary Mathematics

Improving Primary Mathematics began in 1996 and has been at the cutting edge of developments in mathematics teaching since that time. The project was behind many of the approaches now adopted by the National Numeracy Strategy. However, it remains unique and has been highly effective in raising standards in project schools.

The Improving Primary Mathematics team uses the published curriculum of the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland as the basis for detailed written curriculum guidance to schools. The project now offers teaching materials addressing the requirements of the National Curriculum between Years 1 and 6. In Year 6 most pupils are expected to work solidly beyond national expectations.

The materials are now available commercially to schools anywhere in the country. Details and an order form are to be found on the Improving Primary Mathematics website.

The work is based on a Framework (more detailed than the National Numeracy Strategy Framework) which describes how mental strategies are built up, step by step, year on year. For each year group there are at least 4 lessons for each of 36 weeks per year.

The lessons and a plethora of supporting materials are contained in the teachers' manuals. Sample lessons and some free resources are available from the Improving Primary Mathematics website.

Some lessons have been modified for use with the Easiteach program, which supports interactive whole class teaching methods and makes use of the most advanced technology. These trial materials are currently available only to Barking and Dagenham schools through the council intranet.

The Improving Primary Mathematics team provides training for all teachers during their first project year. Advisory teachers also visit classrooms to offer advice and support to staff.

Staff from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research work in close co-operation with the team, particularly in terms of research and the publication of the materials.

Well over 20,000 pupils are now learning the Improving Primary Mathematics way all over the UK. Almost all schools in Barking and Dagenham use the materials and teaching methods associated with the project.

A number of other Local Authorities have also promoted the Improving Primary Mathematics approach. There are project schools in Leeds, Rochdale, Kirklees, Wiltshire, Stoke on Trent, Clackmannanshire and west Lothian. The International School in Havana is amongst a growing number of independent schools using the approach.

For further information, please visit the Improving Primary Mathematics website.

Improving Primary Mathematics Project Profile|

Contact

David Rosenthal

Principal Inspector

Westbury Centre

Ripple Road

Barking

IG11 7PT

Tel: 020 8270 6400

Fax: 020 8270 6401

Email: david.rosenthal@lbbd.gov.uk|