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Case Studies
I Can Do Maths
The I Can Do Maths system was pioneered by Andrew Dunn, a headteacher at Coatham Primary School in the north east, and uses Schofield & Sims' Mental Arithmetic books as a daily maths resource. The Mental Arithmetic series is a highly differentiated, progressive set six of books for Key Stage 2, and its use alongside I Can Do Maths has had impressive results:
- In 2003 Coatham was one of the 50 most-improved primary schools in England
- In 2004-5 OFSTED recognised it as one of the 50 top-performing schools
The Mental Arithmetic series is based on a child's ability rather than age group, which allows schools to match learning materials to a child's needs. The books are also assessment linked so that pupils can see their achievement and record their progress.
Each book is organized into three parts:
- Part A, straightforward number operations
- Part B, introduction of relevant vocabulary linked to the four basic signs of number
- Part C, one- and two-step problems which apply skills and understanding previously introduced
Children work at their own pace in a structured and progressive way, and, assuming a short daily maths practice session, a page of a book should take about a week. This culminates in a Friday feedback session, where learning and new targets are discussed. With each book containing 36 pages, one should last for three terms. At around £50 for a class set of books, this system also gives great value for money!
I Can Do Maths is a great tool for keeping skills sharp, assessing children's understanding and boosting confidence in maths.
Please see our I Can Do video.
