Mental arithmetic is a very important part of the work. The Authority's Inspection and Advisory Service designed a programme to take the key points of continental practice and develop these within the National Curriculum mathematics framework. This was extended to include all Year 4 and 5 pupils in those schools, about 850 pupils, from Autumn 1995. The project concentrates on number work, covered for five or six weeks a term, allowing other National Curriculum mathematics aspects to be covered in the remaining time. Education Committee members received a detailed presentation on the project from Graham Last, Senior Inspector, who explained that teachers have welcomed the materials provided and are becoming adept at improving and amending them to suit their classes.
Initial findings indicate gains in pupils' performance across the ability range.
The Borough is now seeking further funding to extend the project to include all pupils from Year 2 upwards in all Borough primary schools.