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celebration event, entitled ‘Carry On Numeracy’,
provided an opportunity for reflection on the achievements
of the past three years' work and identification of future
trends and developments.
Also pervading the event was a sense of fun and the importance
of keeping maths enjoyable for the teacher and the pupils.
Esther Ross, SELB Adviser for Mathematics, said: “The
serious messages of the day were punctuated with fun mathematical
activities, culminating in 'The Crystal Maze' game featuring
puzzles from around the world and a grand finale scramble
for points to establish the victorious teams.
“Teachers have commented that some pupils have made
very good progress in mental maths and the majority are now
more able to use strategies they have been taught or have
discovered through appropriate exercises, to work out unknown
facts.”
One teacher commented: "We feel a new confidence in our
delivery of the maths curriculum and are sure that this can
greatly benefit our pupils. Pupils’ progress is not
easily measured in quantitative terms but teachers report
a greater enthusiasm for maths, accompanied by greater enjoyment
and growing confidence.”
Another teacher said: "A new enthusiasm about maths has
been generated throughout the school as a result of the Numeracy
Strategy.”
Esther Ross continued: “These schools have shown tremendous
energy and initiative in raising the profile of maths with
pupils and in many cases with parents. Success in maths is
only achieved where children are encouraged to think and make
connections in a happy and supportive environment.
“In summary, the words of famous mathematician and scientist,
Albert Einstein, seem appropriate: ‘Not everything that
can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can
be counted.’ The Numeracy Strategy has focused on quality
teaching and learning in maths - that's what counts.”
Caption: Some of the teachers who took part in the SELB’s
‘Carry On Numeracy’ day recently are (from left)
Hilary Irwin, Mullavilly Primary School, Tandragee; Raymond
Cassidy, Rathfriland Hill School, Newry; Geraldine Turley,
St. Joseph's Primary School, Poyntzpass; Gerry Mone, St. John's
Primary School, Middletown, Armagh; Vincent Devlin, St. Paul's
Primary School, Cabra, Newry; Esther Ross, SELB Adviser for
Mathematics; Dorothy Beattie, Clogher Regional Primary School.
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