Bedford Maths Academy 

The Bedford Maths Academy has been developed by Bedford School in partnership with Pilgrims Pre-Prep School and is funded by a grant from the Harpur Trust.

The Academy has provided an exciting opportunity for gifted mathematicians from across all of the maintained and independent schools in Bedford to work together on a rich and challenging maths curriculum. The Academy aims to inspire the children aged 7 to 12 and to ensure that they have opportunities to extend their knowledge and understanding of the subject in order to maximise their learning and potential in the subject.

Gifted children in mixed age and mixed ability classes can be difficult to cater for within a mainstream classroom as they can require individual lessons to ensure that their full potential is maximised. Children may be allowed to work at their own pace, sometimes without the benefit of direct teaching aimed at their level, or they may be offered extension activities when they complete the task which the group has been set. This can be frustrating for able children who need challenges and stimulations to keep them on task and excited about their learning. While many schools are trying to provide for their most able mathematicians, limited resources and expertise can reduce the effectiveness and scope of the provision. The benefits of the most talented mathematicians, from a range of schools, working together are considerable and highly beneficial.

The Academy is based at Bedford School with some sessions also taking place at the Pilgrims site. During each term eight Saturday morning sessions are run and currently 60 students are enrolled with the Academy.

For further information about the Academy please contact Chris Godwin cgodwin@bedfordschool.org.uk