Letham Primary hopes approach adds up to awards success

Letham Primary School has been shortlisted for the raising attainment in numeracy prize at this year’s Scottish Education Awards.

The village school has refreshed its approach to numeracy by shifting the view of numbers as a series of rules and procedures, to a set of skills that require interaction and application.

Finalists are invited to the Glasgow awards ceremony next month where the winners will be announced.

Letham headteacher Karen Frain said: “We’re delighted to be finalists at the Scottish Education Awards 2017.

“Our six-year maths journey at Letham has focused on raising attainment by changing pedagogy. We focus on developing a rich, deep conceptual understanding, coupled with a ‘can do’ attitude.

“Our parents and staff also recognise the importance of building and maintaining strong solid foundations, this is clearly understood and evident in all practice.

“This means our young people leave Letham primary with a very sound conceptual understanding of numeracy, and are continually improving and striving for excellence.”

Ms Frain added: “They succeed because they think they can succeed, no matter what their starting ability.

“I’m incredibly proud of the quality of learning and teaching at Letham, and its positive impact on raising the attainment of all of our young people.”

The Scottish Education Awards recognise and reward the people who dedicate their lives to children and young people and showcase the valuable work and innovation happening in classrooms across the country.