Schools programme
First Class Learning is operating in several schools and is already having a positive impact.
For schools: download our Schools Programme brochure.
St. Bernadette’s now have over 50 children studying maths using First Class Learning, which means that there are now six primary schools in Teesside who have introduced the programme as part of their daily routine. This is a huge endorsement of the quality and effectiveness of the materials.
‘It gives the children the opportunity to see the links from one piece of learning to the next, to be able to recall number facts and to have an easy facility with number, and that is then transferred into the classroom.’ Mary Cobbold, Headteacher, St Bernadette’s RC Primary School.
‘Although we have 50 children coming in, it all runs smoothly because the First Class Learning Programme is so easy t0 organise.’ Mrs Davies, Teaching Assistant, St Bernadette’s RC Primary School.
‘We’ve seen a big benefit in their attitude, because they’ve had to be self-disciplined, and they’ve had to be committed. Those are really important life skills, and we’ve seen those skills transferring into other areas of the curriculum.’ Josie Wilson, Headteacher, St Joseph’s RC Primary School.
‘The great thing is that it’s self-managing. The teaching assistant runs it, but really it’s the children who are in control.’ Jenny Booth, Year 6 teacher, St Joseph’s Primary School.
'They can come in and get on with it individually and they can see the success of it for themselves.' Mr Stockwell, Teacher, Caldicotes Primary School.
There are many reasons why First Class Learning is proving so popular with local schools. One, of course, is the link to the National Curriculum. Schools are very reluctant to use anything which doesn’t aim to achieve the objectives laid down in the national numeracy and literacy strategies. Secondly, there is the way in which regular practice achieves long-term goals. Considerable improvements have been shown by those children who have been studying First Class Learning for more than 12 months. Thirdly is the way that the programmes can be adapted to meet the individual learning styles and needs of the child. The final factor is the psychological approach which focuses on assessment for learning. This involves using assessment to raise students’ achievement. It is based on the idea that students will improve most if they understand the aim of their learning, where they are in relation to this aim and how they can achieve the aim (or close the gap in their knowledge). All of this means First Class Learning will continue to expand and be adopted by many schools.
St Joseph's RC Primary School:
"pupils speak enthusiastically about the daily breakfast club." Source: School Ofsted Report
St Bernadettes Roman Catholic Primary School:
"In addition, a before-school mathematics club is oversubscribed with pupils enthusiastically practising their basic numeracy skills and timing how fast they can complete tasks." Source: School Ofsted Report
"My child attends maths club before school and enjoys it." Source: School Ofsted report
What Parents and Pupils are saying:
‘It makes maths fun and it’s encouraged my son to develop himself. I think it’s a really valuable thing for the school to have.’ Mrs Fletcher, Parent.
‘It’s been great for my son because it’s massively improved his confidence and what’s more it sets him up for the day.’ Mrs Miller, Parent.
‘Coming to First Class Learning in the morning has made me more confident in school.’ Jessica, Pupil, St Joseph’s RC Primary School.
If you wish to find out more about how First Class Learning works in schools please give us a call or send an email.
