PUPILS at schools in Renfrewshire have found their love of maths is multiplying, thanks to a partnership with experts from the USA.

More than 170 youngsters from six primary schools took part in two weeks of maths camps designed by a team of specialists at Stanford University.

The alternative approach devised at the renowned Californian institution is used by half of all schools in America, with research recording significant resultant improvements in test results.

The Gazette: Cerys Devoy reckoned the maths camp at St Anthony’s Primary was sum-thing specialCerys Devoy reckoned the maths camp at St Anthony’s Primary was sum-thing special

Now it has been used in the UK for the first time, with St Anthony’s Primary, in Johnstone, and Glencoats Primary, in Paisley, hosting the creative curriculum.

The session at St Anthony’s Primary also involved pupils from Auchenlodment Primary, in Johnstone, and East Fulton Primary, in Linwood, while children from Heriot Primary and St Catherine’s Primary, both in Paisley, were invited to join in the fun at Glencoats Primary.

Those who rook part saw maths being applied across a range of subjects, including electronics and art.

Renfrewshire Council was the first local authority to be 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.

The Gazette: Alex Ivanski and Keeley Crawford with some colourful artworkAlex Ivanski and Keeley Crawford with some colourful artwork

Councillor Jim Paterson, convener of Renfrewshire’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 pupils’ knowledge and confidence in maths and giving our teachers the skills needed to inspire a love of maths across all of 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.”

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