Cheam School

The understanding of numbers and the ability to manipulate them is a fundamental requirement in society. Every child deserves to be equipped with Mathematics as a tool that can be used and applied in the world at large. In a universally numerical world the fundamental aim of the Mathematics Department is to give every child a level of understanding of mathematics that will enable the individual to participate in society with confidence.

The syllabus is written in line with The National Curriculum, The National Numeracy Strategy and the I.S.E.B. Common Entrance syllabus. In delivering such a syllabus the Mathematics Department aims to develop in children the mathematical concepts and skills that will enable them to fulfil their mathematical potential.

With an emphasis placed upon traditional mathematical ideas, children are expected to know their multiplication tables by heart and they have to have an understanding of number bonds. Children are encouraged also to think for themselves. Every pupil in the school has a weekly tables test. At the end of their passage through Cheam School children should feel confident in their understanding of mathematics and be able to use it as a uniquely valuable tool in their day to day lives.

In the early years much time is devoted to encouraging an awareness that Mathematics is not purely an academic subject but that it is also a means to an end. In their time in the Pre-Prep Department and through to the end of Year 3 children are taught by non-academic specialist form takers. In Year 4 they are taught as classes by specialist Mathematics teachers and at the beginning of Year 5 the children are separated into four sets. This remains the case throughout the rest of Years 5 to 8. A common syllabus is followed so that movement between sets remains possible. A variety of text books are used. Up to the end of Year 5 teachers use Heinemann’s new scheme and from Year 6 the emphasis is moved to the ‘Essential Mathematics’ series by David Rayner.

In delivering the Cheam School Mathematics syllabus the Mathematics Department strives to equip each pupil with knowledge and skills, encourage each pupil to think for him or herself and instill in each child an enjoyment and appreciation for this all important subject.