Is your DC good at maths? Any tips for meeting with head?

[headoverheels]

DS1 is 9 and just finishing year 4. The headmistress told me today that he has just been assessed as a 'strong 5a' in maths, which I think means he is working a couple of years above his age. She asked if I would like to meet her early next week to discuss his maths provision in year 5.

I'm reasonably happy with the provision that has been made for him so far (differentiated work etc), but I just wondered if anyone who has been in this position (as a parent or a teacher) could share any tips for the meeting. Anything particular I could suggest / request?

richmal the contrast with my dds schools attitude proves the point entirely. Because dds school did teach her at an appropriate level being tested as a 6 in the sats was not remotely a problem because I can see why it was easier for the school especially as they wouldn't get the credit that is due to their part if she tested for a higher level, and I didn't need 'proof' as I assume you did to get an appropriate education. And I really like your idea, it would even solve the practical issues that still remain even in schools like dds that are trying their best. As well as helping the entire range of ability too and preventing the confidence problems of being labelled as a certain ability whether low or high

Maths does need to be taught, but for many periods in history, the main resource used to do this was often books, rather than teachers. Nowadays, the focus is on horizontal enrichment. I am extremely grateful this wasn't the case when I was at school. I was given a text book, or an SMP workbook, and left to get on with it. At A-level, I missed most of the course, and taught myself from a text book. I think it is definitely a subject where able students can pretty much just work their own way through the material, particularly with all the online materials available these days as well.