Ultimate Potential (U.P.) Math is a specialized program that is a compilation of best teaching practices including open tasks, mathematical inquiry, iPad supported learning and traditional pedagogical techniques.
Students in our U.P. Math program work to undergo a Math Mind Shift and become class leaders who exude increased confidence and a new-found love of Mathematics. U.P. Math continues to grow, using technology to support excellence and equity in the Math classroom.
The benefits of taking U.P. Math are endless for students. Some benefits include:
- Increased confidence;
- Increased gratitude and positive attitude;
- Increased growth mindset;
- Increased achievement in Mathematics;
- Students become classroom coaches in specific areas of Mathematics; and
- Students remain committed to learning and never giving up.
U.P. Math is available at our secondary schools to students entering Grade 9. Our secondary Mathematics teachers work with Grade 7 and 8 teachers to identify students who are struggling with Mathematics prior to entering Grade 9.
Students share their new found love for Mathematics and commitment to learning. Watch our video to learn what students have to say about the U.P. Math program and how its changing their attitudes towards learning Math.
We have all heard someone say, "well I was never a math person" or "numbers aren't my thing". These statements send negative messages to children about Mathematics. Research tells us that we are all capable of high levels of achievement in Mathematics and our attitude and mindset has a lot to do with it.
Jo Boaler, professor of Mathematics at Stanford University, has done a lot of research on Growth Mindset and its impact on student achievement. Boaler's research suggests that the brain can grow, adapt and change in an incredibly short period of time. In the past, we may have seen mistakes in Mathematics as a failure, but now we see them as opportunities to learn. Students learn that making mistakes is an important part of learning something new.
You can make your home a Mathematics friendly place by adopting the mindset that we are all "math people". Mathematics is a valuable tool that we use to help us make sense of the world around us. You can create a mistake-friendly environment by encouraging your child to:
- explain their thinking for questions that are both correct and incorrect;
- show their thinking using a diagram or even using concrete materials;
- learn from their mistakes and develop new understanding.
If your child is struggling with a part of the mathematics, get them to take a break and return to it later once they've had time to think more rather than getting frustrated or giving up. This reinforces the importance of perseverance and determination that will benefit your child through their formal schooling and into their life as an adult.