|
In 2004 and 2005 the Basic Skills Agency has run a competition for secondary schools to design a maths game which primary schools children will play and enjoy and learn from. The competition will be run again next year, in July 2006. Application details will be posted as soon as they are available.
Year 7 children in mixed ability groups are asked to design numeracy games with clear instructions which year 6 pupils will enjoy playing. Designing a game for younger children means that the older pupils have to think hard about the skills the game will develop and make sure that the instructions they give are accurate and workable.
Each secondary school organizes a ‘Play the Games’ event where invited year 6 pupils and teachers play the games and use their vote to select the winning game. As well as developing numeracy skills the competition builds active links between the primary and secondary phases.
Year 6 pupils use the following criteria to cast their vote:
- Which game was the most enjoyable to play
- Which would they choose to play again
- Would they like to take the game home
The winning game from each school goes forward to an LEA competition where the overall winner for the area is selected. The winning entry from each LEA takes part in the All Wales Final.
The 2005 winners are Coedylan Comprehensive School, RCT. Their game is called Figure it Out.
The 2004 winner was Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron, Ceredigion.
|
