Resources

Teachers are the prime resource. Much of what is recommended in these guidelines is existing widespread practice and will be familiar to them. They may, however, have staff development needs arising from:

the use of attainment outcomes and targets in planning and assessment;

the increased emphasis on problem-solving and enquiry;

calculators in number work and as a teaching aid;

computers in information handling and in shape, position and movement as a tool and as a teaching aid;

the use of a variety of contexts.

Other people who can be a resource, for example as a source of data for information handling, include the pupils, their relations and friends, adults in the school, visitors. The school premises and local environment can be a resource - buying lunch, considering routes to school, looking for symmetrical shapes, measuring, counting .....

A variety of material resources will be required:

reference books for pupils and teachers;

calculators;

computers with associated peripherals and software;

measuring equipment, structured apparatus, for example, to explore and illustrate concepts in number and shape;

instruments and other equipment for drawing shapes and making models;

games and puzzles;

constructional toys and play equipment.

Many everyday materials such as newspapers, magazines, advertising literature, brochures, packaging, maps, plans and timetables can be used to good effect and increase relevance, as can discarded household items.

Many schools already possess and use a wide range of resources, but others will require additions with consequent expenditure. The scope for using those resources which are freely available should not, however, be overlooked, and pupils can help by bringing useful items to school.