Mathematical challenges for able pupils in key stages 1 and 2

Which NNS materials support the teaching of able pupils?

Framework for teaching mathematics from Reception to Year 6

The organisation of teaching objectives and the supplement of examples signal the progression in topics, clarifying the links between the teaching programmes of each year group. Teachers who are planning work for able pupils should give particular attention to the introductory section on laying the foundations for algebra.

Framework for teaching mathematics: Year 7 (draft issued in March 2000)

This extends the original Framework and is based mainly on work at level 5.

Mathematical vocabulary

The introduction to this booklet contains useful references to questioning techniques with examples of the types of question that help to extend children's thinking.

Sample termly plans (on CD issued with December 1999 Professional development materials 3 and 4)

These may help you to identify 'What comes next?' in a particular topic. By looking ahead one term, two terms or even further, you can incorporate objectives into your present plan as extension work.

Sessions from the five-day training course for intensive schools

• Problem solving with challenges and simplifications: This illustrates how activities linked to problem solving and reasoning can challenge able pupils.
• Using a calculator: Although the activities are designed for teachers, some of them can be used to extend able pupils.
• Laying the foundations for algebra: This contains a range of examples involving reasoning and explanation.
• Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion: Able pupils can develop this work, especially the inter-relationships and examples involving ratio and proportion.
• Shape and space: This gives some background work on transformations. Reflections, translations and rotations are covered separately as well as an introduction to combining transformations.
• Graphs and charts: Able pupils can be encouraged to tackle problems that require data collection and analysis. Particular emphasis needs to be given to the interpretation of results.

Professional development materials 3 and 4 (issued to all schools in December 1999)

This pack covers many of the same topics as the five-day course materials. Chapters that may be of particular relevance are:

• Solving word problems
• Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and proportion
• Shape and space
• Calculators
• Graphs and charts