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Hi Sean, I think the GCSE exam in Maths needs reviewing, basically at that stage; pupils either do higher, intermediate or lower paper, in each one they can only get a certain set of results, i.e.: intermediate, the highest result is a C grade.

I’m not sure if pupils are always placed or taught at the correct level, their levels of understanding develop at different rates and I think it may be a tad unfair. Maybe a set exam that everyone does reflects a fairer, truer picture of the pupils’ understanding, where everyone is taught the same curriculum?

In younger children (I work with 3 and 4 year olds) they can decide that they don’t like it even earlier, but with the correct support where the teacher makes Maths enjoyable and useable to them, then children can become interested.

SW – Berwick

Sean, both my older children went to a Grammar School and were very good at maths in year 7. However I needed to get them a maths tutor in year 11 as both had failed their mocks.

Elle had about 15 different teachers in five years and a few of them had trouble speaking english. The tutor they had was retired, but had been head of maths in a private school. I was very lucky to find him as Tommy passed with an A and Elle with a B. Only two more kids to go through the education system!!

RK – SE London

James goes to Washington (year 9). Since September he has had various supply teachers, all of which appear not really to be interested, he has not had a permanent member of staff. They have repeated the same work as the teacher didn’t know what to give them to do and one insisted on working in pairs – so that they get the right answer between them and he didnt have to show them on the board (again).

JF – Washington, Tyne & Wear