Y2 maths ability sets state school

[jkhj]

Just woundering if anyone has experienced similar or can send some light on ....

My daughter has just started year 2 and from the first week all three y2 classes have been mixed up into what seems to be ability sets. My daughter seems to be in the middle.

I was bait confused with this as last year she was in a group doing the more challenging/higher work and from teachers feed back and school report was doing well, got 2c for maths in year one.

The current teacher has told me they are not in sets, even though 'higher group' gets more complex homework. Regarding my dd she says that dd needs to build her confidence (in maths).

What does confidence in maths mean exactly? And what can I do to increase this??

(Parent and Maths graduate)

In my view, confidence in maths means willingness to have a go, and cope with getting stuff wrong sometimes, rather than not trying if you aren't certain.

eg If there is a question "there are 24 sweets to share between 6 pupils, how many do they each get"

The child may not know whether to add, subtract, multiply or divide.
But if they have a go they might see their answer is obviously wrong and then try again, rather than just sitting there saying "I don't know what to do"

I think it can make a lot of difference. Especially later when there a multiple steps so the way forward may not be obvious. Since starting secondary DD1 has increased and increased in confidence in maths. She now has a 'can do' attitude and she has moved up 4 sets as a result.

Thank you teen

The example question you have given is one that dd would have been taken back with. We have worked on 'two step problem solving' over the holidays. Obviously whilst have fun in the holidays too.

Her report did say she she has ' a real can do attitude' overall. I will aim to encourage her to always have a try!!