ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the way that one teacher has made mathematics accessible to 14 and 15 year olds in a special school for pupils described as having ‘moderate learning difficulties’. The principles underlying Adrienne Bennett’s work have been developed during the Low Attainers in Mathematics Project and the Raising Achievement in Mathematics Project. In Adrienne Bennett’s classroom pupils work on mathematical activities which enable them to respond in a variety of ways and at a range of levels. These activities provide meaningful challenges which give pupils reasons to practise and extend their mathematical skills. The class are encouraged to find their own solutions to problems and they can choose their own methods of working; they are encouraged to be active, independent learners. As a result of this approach to mathematics, Adrienne Bennett has found that her pupils have confounded many stereotypes about children with ‘moderate learning difficulties’.
