PUPILS from across Scotland have the chance to prove they are top of the class by signing up to take part in the first nationwide online school maths contest.
Launched today by Scottish education technology social enterprise Sumdog, the contest is being organised to coincide with National Digital Learning Week, which takes place from the May 15-19.
Hundreds of schools across Scotland are expected to participate and the overall winning class will be announced at a special event in the Scottish Parliament on May 24.
A game-based learning system specifically designed to improve skills and attainment in maths and literacy, Sumdog is aligned to the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and is regularly used in half of all Scottish schools.
A recent major study in Glasgow schools found that pupils who spent an average of one hour per week using Sumdog progressed three times faster in maths than those who used the website and apps very little or not at all. A majority of pupils taking part in the study attended schools in areas of high deprivation.
Organised by Education Scotland, the theme of this year’s National Digital Learning Week is “Digital Difference”, with teachers and pupils invited to share and celebrate digital approaches that make a positive impact on classroom practice.
“Our games-based learning system is a great example of a digital learning tool that motivates and enthuses pupils about maths learning while helping schools close the attainment gap,” said Sumdog CEO Andrew Hall.
“Taking part in the contest should be a great way for teachers and pupils to celebrate National Digital Learning Week, improving maths and numeracy skills while working together as a team and having fun.”
“With just over three weeks to go until the contest begins, we already have hundreds of classes across Scotland signed up to take part. But there is still plenty of time for many more schools to get involved.”
Juniper Green Primary School in Edinburgh already regularly uses Sumdog to support maths teaching in the classroom.
Headteacher Anthea Grierson said: “Using Sumdog as part of our multi-pronged approach to teaching maths has been effective in raising maths attainment at Juniper Green. It has brought the fun back into maths and children are motivated and excited to learn.”
The launch of the contest is being supported by mountaineer and motivational speaker Jamie Andrew, who lost both hands and both feet to severe frostbite following a mountaineering accident in the Alps.
“The greatest thing my own experiences have taught me is that our greatest limitations are the ones we impose on ourselves. Sumdog is clearly committed to helping pupils throughout Scotland,” he said.
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