The Cognitive Acceleration in Mathematics (CAME) project was developed in response to concerns among practitioners about the mismatch between students’ ability to solve mathematics problems and what the secondary curriculum demanded of them. Based on research and theory about students’ thinking, CAME aims to boost the capacity for mathematical thinking of students aged 11 to 14 years and consequently raise their attainment in standard tests.
This study reports the findings from 12 schools in which students were taught CAME lessons during Years 7 and 8. Over half the 78 classes involved showed larger than expected gains in mathematics tests at the end of Year 8. After a further three years in the same schools, GCSE pass rates in mathematics were significantly higher than those in control schools. Pass rates in English and science also showed improvements.
Keywords:
England; Key Stage 3; mathematics; Science; accelerated learning; attainment; achievement; thinking skills; collaboration; learning strategy
