“Everyone can do well in mathematics.  You may have been told that some people are maths people and some aren’t or, that maths isn’t for you.  It turns out that is not true.  Everyone is born with the innate ability to do well in maths.  Whether you do well in maths or not depends on the experiences you’ve had and the beliefs you hold” (Professor Jo Boaler Professor of Mathematics Education, Stanford Graduate School of Education).

So begins the initial mathematics lesson for Year 5 and 6 students.  In fact it is the message for all students at Lindfield.  It is important that our boys approach mathematics with confidence, an ‘I can do it’ attitude and a sense of wonder about the possibilities.

In 2017, the staff at Newington Lindfield began an on-line mathematics course through Stanford University called ‘How to Learn Maths for Teachers’.  This has provided valuable research based information and ideas on effective maths practice and teaching.  It emphasises the fostering in the class room of a positive mindset towards mathematics and the encouraging of students in their ability to accept the challenges it poses.

This year, we have been given the opportunity to provide some student-centred learning tools provided by Stanford. With those same messages of positive approach, confidence and wonder, the Year 5 and 6 students have been tackling problems such as:

• The Four 4’s – Finding the numbers from 1-20 using only four 4’s and any operation. An example is 4/4 + 4/4 = 2 (ie 1+1=2).
• Toothpick Squares – Building a 3×3 toothpick square and from that, determining how many toothpicks are required to build any number of squares (4×4, 5×5, 6×6) without actually building. The challenge is to develop a formula to apply.
• Number Visuals – Looking at a series of dots and noticing patterns, relationships and rules.

As the accompanying photos show, the work can look messy but it is well thought through and keenly discussed. The amount of maths talk generated is encouraging.

Mathematics is something of wonder and challenge for all. At Newington Lindfield, we are aiming to build a culture of positivity around this wonderful key learning area.

David Musgrove – Teacher Year 6