In their own words
Our Maths — No Problem! journey
Our journey began 2014. One of our key members of staff was curious about the performance of Singaporean children and wanted to investigate further. As part of our research we met with Andy Psarianos, founder of Maths — No Problem!, and then invited Dr Yeap Ban Har to come to Wirral to discuss the pedagogy surrounding the teaching of mathematics in Singapore. From that moment we knew this was something we wanted to engage in.
Following the initial training with Dr Ban Har, we led a working party of schools in the Deep Learning TSA to engage in lesson exploration using the textbooks. During this time the group spent time developing expertise in delivering lessons using the Maths — No Problem! Singaporean mastery approach.
The Maths Hub textbook trial provided the missing piece of the puzzle because it provided a well-thought-out, well-designed textbook that supported both the teacher and the pupil. Incorporating our research and learning with the expert textbook gave us the confidence to fully embrace the approach.
Maths — No Problem! in our school
Every child at our school has a textbook and workbook and we all follow the three-part lesson structure. Our pupils are very keen to talk about their learning and are very positive about their maths lessons. One pupil said:
“The textbook is really great. I just wish I could take it home!”
We have come a long way from that initial meeting with Dr Yeap Ban Har. Through the Deep Learning TSA we offer training, co-coaching and a place where other teachers can come and witness the Maths — No Problem! Programme in action. Once visitors see pupils confidently learning about maths, talking about mathematics, reasoning, loving it they will understand the benefits of the approach.
We are creating opportunities for the children at our school that they otherwise would not have had and we know that when they get to secondary and the demands placed on them are tougher, our pupils are really well prepared for that.
