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   42a Bradford Street  453 6254 office@bradford.school.nz

 

Monday 9th August 2021

 
Kia ora whānau,

Now in its 23rd year, this week marks Maths Week in schools around the country.  You will have possibly heard that local and international data tells us that New Zealand achievement in Mathematics is worrying low.  The Director of Education and Skills in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development with 38 member countries including NZ), states "Good numeracy is the best protection against unemployment, low wages and poor wealth."   

Fortunately, it's not all doom and gloom; the 2018 National Monitoring Study of Student Achievement (NMSSA) informs us that a significant proportion (81%) of Year 4 students are meeting curriculum expectations in Mathematics, however by Year 8 that proportion has fallen away to less than half (45%). Clearly there is some work to be done. 

What has gone wrong?  At the New Zealand Principal's Federation conference last week the very respected 'maths guru' Dr Audrey Tan shared her beliefs. The Numeracy Project (a Ministry funded collection of teaching initiatives implemented in classes between 2000 and 2009) strongly emphasised mental number strategies which worked well for some.  For other children, the requirement to mentally hold figures and calculate in their head as they went was too challenging.  This cognitive overload prevented students thinking at a higher level e.g. fractions, measurement, geometry and word problems became unobtainable.  

This fits with our beliefs here at Bradford and we are already well on our journey to rectify this.  Maths is recognising patterns and making connections.  For the last few years, we have been embracing the Singaporean (World leaders in maths) model of deep mastery of number itself rather than many mental strategies.  This helps to build understanding and confidence in the junior years for a solid foundation.  Confidence is identified as the greatest influencer on mathematical development. 

Our PR1ME resources and teachers' professional judgements are tailoring a maths curriculum that is making a real difference. It recognises, as Dr Tan also says is so important, that our decimal number system is a place value system.  It was designed to be used in columns.  Of course, it's not the only way to calculate addition and subtraction but if we have solid place value understanding then using an algorithm (for those of you old enough to have experienced this 'old' column method) reliably helps the numbers make a lot more sense - and you don't have to remember a large number in your head as you work it out step-by-step.  Our teachers also incorporate a wide range of equipment into their lessons for the children to explain evidentially how they worked the problem out.  This practice increases fluency which frees up the working memory and helps to cement and build long-term memory.

You're probably wondering how you can support our teachings at home?  Dr Tan stresses the importance of achieving  in Years 1-4 the automatic recall of single digit basic facts: e.g. family of facts  3 + 2 = 5,  2 + 3 = 5,  so 5 - 3 = 2  and 5 - 2 = 3 and starting on the simpler of the times tables: the ones, twos, tens and five times tables initially.    These are equations you can work on at home with your child.   

In years 5 - 8 we are aiming for instant recall of all the times tables.  Dr Audrey Tan states that helping students to memorise their times tables is possibly the most important thing you can do for them before they leave primary school.  Without them, children will be impractically slow at division and even slower working with fractions.  Dr Robert Siegler's (2012) research goes so far as to say that understanding fractions and division at age 10-12 predicts algebra and overall maths achievement at school.  Definitely time to put the times tables posters on the back of the toilet door and chant them on the journey to school!  There are many catchy song versions on line that you might also like to try as a family. 

It's been another productive week here at Bradford.  I had hoped to report on the swings but our supplier is having some difficulty sourcing the specialised rubber for the basket swing, but fingers crossed this project should be completed shortly. 
 
With predicted snow, keep warm and have a wonderful week everyone, 
Emma and the Bradford Team
 
All classes have received instruction from St John about what to do in an emergency this week.  Here Harlyn is practicing dialing 111 and knowing what to say when the call is answered.
These children are assessing hidden road dangers that might not be clearly evident. 
Maisie is learning the correct way to unroll a bandage when applying it to an injured patient. 
Senior children are enjoying a race that requires them to partially submerge their faces in order to blow the ball to the other end before anyone else beats them to it!
 
What's coming up..
Term 3, 2021
 
 

August 13th - Rumplestiltskin whole school show
August 25th - 5.30pm Board of Trustees Meeting in the Library
August 26th - Y1-3 Learning conferences (for children celebrating their due weeks at school anniversary)
September 1st Dyslexia Parent Information evening commencing at 6:45pm in Room 2
September 16th  - PTA Bingo Night (further detail to follow nearer the time)
September 13 to 17th - Polyfest Week (we are yet to be advised of Bradford's designated day and time slot)
September 22nd & 23rd  - Y4-6 Student led Oral Learning conferences
September 23rd - Y1-3 Learning conferences (for children celebrating their due weeks at school anniversary)
September 29th - 5.30pm Board of Trustees Meeting in the Library
October 1st - Last day of term Dance and Visual Art Learning Expo 2pm

October 18 - Term 4 begins
Term 3 Swimming

Term 3 weekly Wednesday swimming sessions

Every Wednesday in Term 3 children will need to bring their togs, towel and goggles in a separate bag.  If your child has long hair this will need tied up please for their lesson.  Please ensure that everything is named as often we share the changing rooms with other local schools also in attendance.
             Netball draw for Tuesday 10th Aug      v GB Magic.   Court 16     5:20pm
School Lunches 

Thursday Sushi - order via Lunch online

Friday - Alternate weeks: 
Pizza and Juicy  $5
Hot Dogs and Juicy $5

Hot dog and Juicy this week - please order at the link below:


https://forms.gle/nhTWv5jNJDFiMQDG9

The lost property is growing and growing and will soon be gone...
We think perhaps there are lots of missing items from some of our children's drawers at home as we still have a MASSIVE pile from last term. 

Lost property will be out in the foyer this week for children to have a final look through before it is donated to charity.  Please come in this week to check and see if any of the items belong to your family. 

Named items are so much easier to return.  Please also remind your child to put their clothing directly in their bag straight away when they remove it as this saves upset (and money) when favourite or new items go missing. 

 
CHAT  BUS
Chat bus is at school Monday, Tuesday and Friday if you would like your child to attend.   Sue Evans,  continues as our Chatbus Registered Counsellor for 2021. 
Copyright © 2018,  Bradford School, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
42a Bradford Street Dunedin, 9011
office@bradford.school.nz

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Have a wonderful week!






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Bradford School · 42A Bradford Street · Dunedin, Otago 9011 · New Zealand

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