Computation and Structure

This is a crucial subject; and, since a child's first years of work at it may powerfully affect his attitude to more advanced mathematics, the age range 5 to 13 is one which needs special attention. The Trustees of the Nuffield Foundation were glad in 1964 to build on the forward-looking ideas of many people and to set up the Nuffield Mathematics Project; they were also fortunate to secure Dr. Geoffrey Matthews and other talented and imaginative teachers for the development team. The ideas of this team have helped in the growth of much lively activity, throughout the country, in new mathematical teaching for children: the School Council, the Local Education Authority pilot areas, and many individual teachers and administrators have made a vital contribution to this work, and the Trustees are very grateful for so much readiness to co-operate are in the books that follow; and many a teacher will enter the classroom with a lively enthusiasm for trying out what is proposed in these pages.