Renfrewshire pupils earn their maths stars and stripes

More than 170 primary pupils from six schools across the region took part in two weeks of maths camps designed by maths education experts from Stanford University.

The alternative approach devised at the renowned Californian institution is used by one-in-two American schools with research recording significant resultant improvements in test results.

It is the first time the camps have taken place in the UK and the creative curriculum hosted at Glencoats Primary in Paisley and St Anthony’s Primary in Johnstone saw maths applied across a range of subjects including electronics and art.

Renfrewshire was the first local authority rated ‘excellent’ by Education Scotland for its progress in raising attainment and closing the learning gap and the Stanford maths partnership builds on a successful partnership with the University of Strathclyde which has seen significant improvements in reading and writing.

Councillor Jim Paterson, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board said: “We’re excited by the potential of this partnership with Stanford University which is boosting our pupil’s knowledge and confidence in maths and giving our teachers the skills to inspire a love of maths across all our schools. We are making fantastic progress in raising attainment and delivering on our commitment that every pupil is given equal opportunity to achieve their ambitions.”