Unlocking the Power of Cambridge Mathematics at Phoenix Greens
At Phoenix Greens School of Learning, the Cambridge mathematics curriculum is transforming how our students experience math. It’s no longer just about numbers and formulas; we focus on helping students understand the “why” behind math, nurturing curiosity and confidence as problem-solvers.
What is the Cambridge Mathematics Curriculum?
The Cambridge curriculum builds a strong mathematical foundation and emphasizes Thinking and Working Mathematically (TWM). This approach encourages students to think deeply, ask insightful questions, and explain their reasoning. Instead of memorizing steps, students solve real problems, making math meaningful and memorable.
How Phoenix Greens Makes Math Exciting
We bring math to life through creative, hands-on methods:
- Activity-Based Learning:
Across grades, our Cambridge math lessons come to life through activity-based learning. Younger students might explore fractions using coloured paper strips or building blocks, while older ones dive into measurement using tapes or real-world objects around them. Open-ended tasks like collecting and analyzing data on daily screen time or comparing the cost of items in different stores help us apply math in meaningful ways. No matter our age, we learn that math isn’t just in textbooks—it’s part of the world we live in.
- Personalized Instruction:
In our math class, we explored multiplication with powers of 10, but what made it special was how it was taught in a way that suited each of us. Some of us used interactive games, while others worked through challenges step by step—it really helped us understand at our own pace. It felt great to learn in a way that made sense to me, and I could see myself growing more confident with each activity.
- Collaborative Learning:
To make math feel more real and connected to their world, our Grade 6 Cambridge students took on a hands-on challenge—measuring the area of their own classroom. Working in teams, they applied what they’ve learned about length and area, all while building collaboration and communication skills. It was exciting to see them realize how math lives all around them, even in the walls and floors of their learning space.
- Building Thinking Skills:
From Grades 1 to 8, we’re always encouraged to think deeper in our Cambridge math classes—not just to find the right answer, but to ask why it works and how we got there. Whether it’s figuring out different ways to solve an addition problem in lower grades or analyzing the features and relationships within three-dimensional objects in middle school, we learn to explain our thinking and listen to others. Working together like this helps us see that there’s often more than one way to solve a problem—and that’s where real learning happens. It’s not just about doing math, but thinking like a mathematician.
Using TWM Skills
Our lessons incorporate all eight TWM skills:
- Specialising and Generalising: Using real examples to find patterns.
- Conjecturing and Convincing: Making and testing mathematical guesses.
- Characterising and Classifying: Sorting shapes or numbers by properties.
- Critiquing and Improving: Reviewing and refining each other’s work.
Why This Approach Works
This method helps students think creatively, collaborate, and apply math to real-life situations—aligning with Cambridge’s goal of developing “math detectives” who love to explore and solve problems.
Preparing for the Future
Beyond exams, students gain logical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills—essential for any career or life path.
At Phoenix Greens, math is a gateway to understanding the world. By blending the Cambridge curriculum with hands-on learning, we empower students to become confident, creative thinkers ready for the future. Join us and discover how math can open doors to a brighter tomorrow!
