To be fully prepared for Maths study, we need to recognise that complete mastery of some topics is more important than others.
This image below is the “1MA0 Edexcel Maths Curriculum”. Each node is a topic on the GCSE course (not to dissimilar to our own courses). Each link represents where one topic is the pre-requisite learning required to learn the other topic. For example, you need to know your timestables in order to find Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple.
The nodes are colour-coded by the strands:
- number – red,
- shape space and measure- purple,
- algebra- turquoise,
- data handling and probability- light green.
The nodes are scaled in size by the number of out-going links they have. In other words, the largest nodes are the required prior learning for a greater number of topics. The importance of mastery of number is clear to see. This analysis suggests that 50-60% of all topics in Maths rely on fluency with timestables (and corresponding divisions) and number bonds. Click here for more detail.
In S1 and S2 we operate the Numeracy Ninjas Programme which features questions on ‘Key Skills’; these are approximately the top 20 largest nodes from the diagram above.
Approximately once per week, our S1 and S2 pupils will attempt a 5 minute skills exercise which includes:
- 10 questions on mental numeracy calculation strategies,
- 10 timestables questions and
- 10 questions on key topics that must be mastered.
The exercises are marked in class by students who record their Ninja Score out of 30. This corresponds to a particular colour Ninja Belt.
This little-and-often approach, in combination with a research-informed rota, which systematically plans the revisiting of skills, ensures students’ improved numeracy skills and fluency are retained over time.
Corresponding extra exercises are available to download below. These can be used at home if you think this would be beneficial to your child:
