Rock ‘n Roll Mathematicians

Learning about maths is not restricted to dusty textbooks and exam hall tests, it is a living, breathing, toe-tapping, air-drumming revolution here at the Prep. This week we all put on our bandanas and shades and became Maths Rock Stars for our House Maths Day. A day filled with fun maths games, treasure hunts, problems to solve and team events. It is all too easy for children to begin to create a maths identity linked to how they feel about their own maths abilities and phrases like “I’m just not good at maths” start to appear. But everyone can be good at maths, you just have to find your rhythm.

And if that wasn’t exciting enough we hosted a Galactic Get Together on Wednesday with pupils entering a pop-up planetarium in the Hall, heading to the forest for hot chocolate around the bonfire and learning about meteorites. Another way we are boosting interest in maths and the sciences.

The skills of logical reasoning, problem-solving, analytical thinking are essential in life and in so many professions. We actively develop these through our curriculum and through fun days like House Maths. Not only do math skills help you with your maths learning but because the learning that takes place when undertaking maths work is so active (just like learning a language or playing a musical instrument) it stimulates a lot of brain activity and can result in enhanced memory power, increased focus and decision-making abilities. But, because it demands more of the brain it is hard work at times and that is where the positive mindset is needed. Everything we can do to show the children that learning maths is worth it, fun and rewarding is time well spent.

Lastly, our week has culminated in Dare To Be Different Day. An annual day organised by our parent committee, The Friends, which celebrates that we are all different and valued in our community. We embrace each other’s uniqueness and know that this enriches our world. Children don’t start out in life by looking for ways to divide society, sadly that creeps in from other influences. So we do everything we can to preserve the positive outlook that unites us – we respect everyone and enjoy learning more about each other.

Have a fantastic weekend and we will see you after the half-term break,

Alice Goodfellow