From the Head of Mathematics

The Stanford University has an amazing free online course for students about how to learn math. I am so excited about the benefits of the course that we are asking all students in Year 7 to complete it during Term Three. I would like to request parents involvement in the learning process, along with your child. I think it will change the way you think about Mathematics.

Starting in Week 5 students will work through one of six lessons each week. Lessons take approximately 20 minutes to complete but with the shared language, teachers and parents can continue the discussion beyond the course. Below is an introduction from the Stanford University course information. If you have had past negative experiences with Maths, this will help change your relationship to one that is positive and powerful.

How to Learn Math combines really important information on the brain and learning with new evidence on the best ways to approach and learn math effectively. Many people have had negative experiences with math, and end up disliking math or failing. This class will give learners of math the information they need to become powerful math learners, it will correct any misconceptions they have about what math is, and it will teach them about their own potential to succeed and the strategies needed to approach math effectively. If you have had past negative experiences with math this will help change your relationship to one that is positive and powerful. The course will feature Jo Boaler and a team of undergraduates, as well as videos of math in action - in dance, juggling, snowflakes, soccer and many other applications. It is designed with a pedagogy of active engagement. https://www.edx.org/

Your child will complete the course in class and as part of the weekly homework, but I encourage you to also enrol or work through with your child.

Ms Patricia Hosking, Head of Mathematics