This year as part of our School Self Evaluation, the staff and pupils of St Fergus’ N.S. have started focusing on the area of Problem Solving, in Maths (particularly Word Problems). Every Wednesday will be dedicated to this area of the Maths Curriculum. As the pictures above show, the pupils of First and Second class are really enjoying dipping their toes into the project.

We began, by deciding as a staff, to use the R.U.D.E. method of Problem Solving through the school. This mnemonic reminds pupils of the important steps in solving any problem in Maths;

1. R. Read-the problem completely
2. U. Underline-the important words in the problem
3. D. Draw-draw out the possible solutions/use real life objects to help you
4. E. Estimate-make a rough estimate of your answer

The hands on/practical approach to the problems is really helping the pupils to grasp the problems that are presented before them. In fact in First and Second class, it has quickly become out favourite lesson of the week!