Many people regard mathematicians as a group of people possessed by supernatural powers…

At The Beacon we strive to develop a love of number. We believe that all children need to use mathematics as a tool to develop their abilities and areas of knowledge. Pupils have different ways of thinking and learning, therefore provision is made for the individual and a variety of teaching strategies are used. We feel that students should feel confident enough to put forward their ideas, explain their thinking, the methods that they have used and not fear criticism from their peer group.

We need a thorough knowledge of numerical facts, for example, number bonds, multiplication tables, division facts, doubling and halving. The properties of number are essential for developing good calculation skills and for this we need to memorise certain facts but we also need to work with numbers rather than learn about numbers. Children can’t remember every number fact, they need to be able to develop strategies to answer questions.

The introduction of calculators has changed the aims of school mathematics, so now more time is devoted to the development of number concepts, the understanding of calculation methods, estimation and the development of problem solving skills.

We feel the hallmark of good mathematics teaching is a rich variety of teaching-learning situations in which pupils are given the opportunity to express themselves and enable them to approach further studies with self confidence and enthusiasm.

In conclusion, W.W. Sawyer a well known mathematician said:

“ In discovering something for ourselves, we have a sense of freedom and conquest. In memorizing something that another person tells us and that we do not understand, we are slaves.”

Jackie Gibson
Head of Mathematics