Finding Maths too easy at school

11 Plus Maths – Preparation and Information

Moderators: Section Moderators, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
Middlesexmum
Posts: 1008
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:54 am

Finding Maths too easy at school

Post by Middlesexmum »

Dd is in Year 5 so coming up for 11+ exams very soon. She's having tuition outside school and is working very hard.

However she's finding school Maths very easy and she's getting bored. When I look at what they're doing, it really does seem very basic. The school have recently started using 'Maths Mastery' which I understand means the class is taught as a whole and they don't move on until all the children have got it. Dd sits next to a lower ability child and she spends a lot of time helping this child.

I'm not sure whether to say anything to the teacher bearing in mind it's nearly the end of term. But on the other hand, with the exams only being a few months away, every week is important! It's frustrating that she seems to be wasting her time in Maths at school and then has to come home and work on much harder Maths in preparation for the exams.
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: Finding Maths too easy at school

Post by Guest55 »

Maths Mastery is not as you describe .... it's about deep understanding and applying ideas in new and unusual contexts.

Have you looked at the new NC and checked they are coveing Year 5 work?

I'd look at http://www.nrich.maths.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; here:

https://nrich.maths.org/primary-upper" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are Live problems linked on the right hand side.

Also here: http://nrich.maths.org/12662" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; look at KS2 map for problems linked to what she is covering in school.
pinkrabbit38
Posts: 568
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2013 3:20 pm

Re: Finding Maths too easy at school

Post by pinkrabbit38 »

Our school does 'Maths Mastery'

The children are in two sets and within those two sets there are still ability groups as far as I'm aware.

It just means that they spend longer on a topic say fractions, rather than the old system where they'd do a few days on fractions several times a year.

Your child should still be pushed within each topic.
yoyo123
Posts: 8099
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:32 pm
Location: East Kent

Re: Finding Maths too easy at school

Post by yoyo123 »

G55 is right, mastery is expanding sideways rather than just more content. it used t be enrichment! Look at nrich.

I am all for mastery or greater depth, using what they have learnt to solve problems.
Post Reply
11 Plus Platform - Online Practice Makes Perfect - Try Now