Private School News

STAINES PREP, MIDDLESEX – Discover the Magic of Maths

Staines Prep has introduced a special ‘Maths Week’ to its annual calendar of events. The new programme, designed specifically for the Lower School, is dedicated to all things mathematical. It aims to develop the children’s knowledge and enjoyment of numeracy whilst exploring the importance of maths and its links to other areas of the school curriculum.

Children from Nursery to Year 2 delved into the fascinating world of maths. Each had the chance to take part in a variety of fun and hands-on challenges, many of which took place in the playground. They ranged from Sudoku to building a metre cube, from measuring a snake to playing giant snakes and ladders.

As part of the special week, guest Mathemagician Andrew Jeffrey entertained each year group with his ‘Magic of Maths’ show. The show had been carefully designed to change children’s attitudes to maths, encouraging mathematical language and thinking. During the show Andrew’s book, Magic for Kids, was on sale, raising £54 for the charity Barnardos.

The final segment of the week required pupils and teachers to put their ‘thinking caps on’ as they were asked to design and make a ‘Thinking Hat for Maths’. Each hat was then modelled at a spectacular hat parade during Lower School assembly.

Mrs Carol Donnelly, Maths teacher, Year 2 coordinator and organiser of Maths Week commented;
“This week has given pupils the opportunity to explore maths, as well as encouraging them to work in teams and with different year groups.

“Maths has played an even more important role in the curriculum than usual and many other subjects carried a maths theme, pushing it to the forefront of people’s minds. We are delighted with the children’s response to this hugely successful event.”