Children struggle with maths for different reasons. Some are dyscalculic - that is to say they cannot visualise the spatial, numeric and temporal concepts and relationships on which maths depends. Others can 'see' how to do the maths but have difficulties relating to reading/remembering the question or writing out the calculation/answer on paper.
Different problems require different solutions.
This is something we recognise at Calder House.
Those pupils (typically those with dyscalculia) who find it difficult to visualise mathematical concepts, such as place-value and geometry are taught how to approach and grasp these concepts by putting them into words - saying what they see. Meanwhile pupils with stronger visual skills but weaker reading ability are taught in a way which makes far greater use of visual aids such as charts and graphs and we read questions for them until they can read them for themselves. At Calder House poor literacy skills do not stop pupils learning maths.
All pupils are taught maths by specialist teachers in small groups of no more than eight. Each class is made up of children with similar learning styles and maths ages. Progress is constantly assessed with regular testing.
We aim to make maths fun and also to make it relevant by showing pupils how they can use the maths and number skills they are learning in other parts of the curriculum. We 'talk' maths. We 'think' maths. We 'do' maths. In this way we make an often hated subject enjoyable and rewarding.
It is wonderful to see and feel part of a truly unique school and a culture that puts the interest of its pupils to the very front.
Your understanding of Greg and of how to help him allowed him to believe in himself.
My GCSE's - yes, I am very proud of my results! But I must stress that if it wasn't for Calder House I would never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever in the entire world have been able to get such high grades and I would just like to thank you.
Pupils from Calder House have fitted in very well and it has been clear they have built sound foundations at Calder House.
I do not believe there is another school in this country which could have helped Nathaniel to flourish as well as Calder House.
Lex had become afraid to try to read for fear of failing, now he attempts his reading with such enthusiasm and literally bounces into school.
You have turned Ralph into a happy, confident little boy again and there hasn't been a day that he hasn't wanted to come to school. Calder House has restored his love of school and learning.
We are very grateful for all you have done for Sam. You rescued all three of us in our hour of need.
Your understanding of Max and of how to help him, immediately relieved him of the agony of mainstream school.
Having seen for myself the excellent teaching at the school, I can understand why my grandson improves daily.
It must be almost four years ago that I last put on my blue jumper but Calder House is still the best school I've ever been to!
The methods you use certainly work, and are most certainly something Rosie will remember, and thank you for, all her life.
We are delighted with Alex's progress and the way his confidence and self esteem have flourished. Calder House has given him so many happy positive memories of school life replacing those of his earlier failures.
We can never thank you enough for changing our lives.
The relief to find a school where Amy would belong, would thrive, be happy and succeed again.
George has been given back his self confidence and dignity.
We had been told our son was of low ability and intelligence. Yet he left Calder House a confident, bright and very happy child. We could not have imagined he would progress so far in such a short time.
We have had a long association with Calder House and we believe it prepares pupils for the challenges of senior school extremely well.
I doubt I would be writing such a long letter to you now or participating in the school plays, if it weren't for the time I spent at Calder House. I expect many kids feel the same. You're doing a great job.
As a result of the excellent teaching at Calder House both our sons have made significant progress and achieved level 4's at KS2. We are delighted that they are now coping extremely well in a mainstream secondary.
Calder House offered us a lifeline at a very traumatic time. They undertook a comprehensive assessment of our two sons. After that one initial visit they had greater insight into our sons’ abilities and weaknesses than professionals involved with the boys over years.
I do not believe there is another school in this country which could have helped Nathaniel to flourish as well as Calder House.
I am writing to say thank you all for all you have done to teach me and help me. I have come along way since I began at Calder House.
Calder House’s magnificent teaching methods have completely transformed our son in so many positive areas.
His almost complete lack of progress was rapidly transformed by Calder House. Their brilliant methodology and an outstanding team of teachers who were able to ‘open up’ our young son to the world of learning.
Calder House has transformed Nathaniel into a positive and active boy with huge gains for him in terms of his self-esteem levels and his ability to take his place within society generally.
Our daughter went on to Bath Royal High School where due to her excellent foundation at Calder House she has not needed extra provision. Indeed she got 93% in a recent biology exam and 70% in English.
With the enthusiasm and competence of the Calder House staff she changed from being an unconfident child and started to believe in herself and her capabilities. She started to read quite quickly. Indeed she can now read three books in a day!
His self-esteem grew tremendously during his two years at Calder House. He was then able to rejoin his peers at a secondary school in Bath.
All the staff at Calder House were very caring and considerate towards our son while maintaining firm boundaries and high expectations of him and his behaviour.
This specialist school for dyslexic or dyspraxic children is outstanding. As parents of two children who have attended the school we cannot praise it enough
Calder House offers a unique approach to whole school specialist provision - one which delivers one-to-one specialist help without the loss of classroom teaching and which is tailored to meet the needs of each individual pupil.
Every pupil at Calder House has a personalised timetable designed to meet his or her individual needs. Click here to see what this involves and how it works.
"You are to be congratulated on a wonderful school and the excellent job being done on a daily basis."
Maria Pond of the Council for the Registraton of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils.
» Download CReSTeD's full report on CHS.
Calder House School, Thickwood Lane, Colerne, Wiltshire SN14 8BN
Tel: 01225 743566 | Email: enquiries@calderhouseschool.co.uk
© Calder House School