Mathswise

Simple mathematics for very low ability 11-14 year olds. The contexts used help motivate pupils and there is plenty of work they can do which builds confidence. Mathswise was first published in 1985 for low ability pupils at KS3, and was well received by teachers and pupils. The new National Curriculum at KS3 will only be relevant at levels 4-7 and it is expected that 25% of students will fall off the bottom of this scale in 2002 - the proportion of pupils falling below Level 4 at present is roughly 35%. Hence the need for a low ability course starting from the KS2 Programme of Study that is presented in a more mature way than traditional primary resources. The new editions of Mathswise will take account of the current National Curriculum, including an emphasis on mental and written calculations. They will be slightly longer than the old ones owing to the need for the mental methods etc., and the content will be reworked to take into account the mathematical progression implied by the National Curriculum.