Mathematics

Through mathematics, boys learn how to make sense of the world around them – by developing their ability to calculate, to reason and to solve problems. It enables them to understand and appreciate relationships and pattern in both number and space in their everyday lives, and to explain their conclusions to others clearly and efficiently. Through their growing knowledge and understanding, they learn to appreciate the contribution made by many cultures to the development and application of mathematics.

In lessons teachers help boys to acquire the skills and confidence to analyse and think for themselves, as well as to become familiar with methods and algorithms that have stood the test of time. Equally important, however, is the patient nurturing of perseverance in boys that some problems require when a solution is not immediately obvious to them.

Ultimately the most important question is simply one of “why?” If a boy understands why a method works, he stands a better chance not only of recalling it but also of applying or adapting it to a different context. The subject is not as black and white or rigid as some may think initially – often there are diverse methods of approaching and solving a problem, and we encourage boys to explain their thoughts and strategy which might turn out entirely different from others around them.

Our hope and aim is that boys will develop:

• a positive attitude to mathematics as an interesting, intriguing and inspiring subject
• an appreciation of the creative aspect of mathematics
  
  
• the ability to recall mathematical facts and strategies for efficient calculation
  
  
• an ability to think logically, independently and critically
  
  
• a grasp of the subject through investigation and inquiry
  
  
• an awareness of the ways in which numbers, algebra and geometry work
  
  
• an appreciation of mathematical relationships and a facility to identify them
  
  
• confidence to try out their own methods, and a perseverance to learn from their mistakes
  
  
• an understanding of the place of mathematics in history and modern culture.