THEECHO ECHO ECHO
Christmas 2017 Edition
Maths - No Problem! In recent months, the staff at St Margaret’s have been specifically targeting all aspects of the children’s mathematical skills, focusing particularly on mental arithmetic, as well their capacity for problem solving and investigative work. ‘Big Maths’ is now fully embedded into the daily routines and the success of this project was highlighted in the children’s outstanding summer term standardised test results. Buoyed with the positive outcome of this new endeavour we decided, for the first time this year, to enter a team of Year 6 children into the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards – the only team maths competition for primary aged children in the UK. Our intrepid team of Hannah, Charlotte, Alistair and Alfie competed in a SW regional heat, followed by a hotly fought semi-final; they clearly demonstrated outstanding problem solving skills, excellent teamwork and a high level of mathematical competence.
Consequently, we are proud to announce that the team from St Margaret’s will represent the South West in the National Final, which will take place at Cambridge University on the last day of this term; the first team to represent this area since the competition’s inception eight years ago! When we return to school in January we will be further extending our mathematical provision for all by introducing a Mastery programme, based on the principles of Singapore Maths. ‘Maths – No Problem’ will support learners of every age and ability, and we look forward to our pupils demonstrating skill, determination, depth of knowledge and absolute enjoyment in all aspects of numeracy. In the meantime, we send Hannah, Charlotte, Alistair and Alfie off to Cambridge with much pride and our very best wishes!
Welcome to the Christmas 2017 Edition of The Echo The joy of the festive season is undoubtedly upon us and at the time of writing we are eagerly awaiting the delivery of our Christmas trees. We are looking forward with eager anticipation to two action packed final weeks and by the time you read this, Christmas at St Margaret’s will have been and gone! The autumn term is always an extremely busy time at school, during which the children make extraordinary progress after the relaxing days of the summer holiday. New classes, new teachers and new challenges never seem to daunt them
and they will all finish this calendar year undeniably weary, but I hope with an immense sense of pride and personal satisfaction for the many great things that they have achieved. They certainly deserve a rest over the coming weeks and I hope that through the pages of this edition of The Echo, you will enjoy sharing with your children an insight into their days at St Margaret’s. As ever, I send you and your families my good wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas, and a peaceful and happy 2018.