Ten Key Features of SAMSON
+ Addition − Subtraction × Multiply ÷ Division
- Overlearning
- Deliberate Practice
- Self-testing
- Distributive Learning
- Interleaving
Seven Samson Number Wagons make their way through each stage, each year, destination ‘Mastery’. All aboard: Mastery is our final stop!
These Samson maths resources can run alongside any core school programme of work for maths. Finally teachers have a fun to teach and easy to deliver planned out resource at their fingertips.
Mental Flipcharts (MF)
for each class P1-P7: each flipchart has 10 questions on flashcards for teaching from or testing.
Mental Flipcharts (Word Problems)
The Mental Flipcharts also contain five word problems set in a circus context.
Mental Strip Sheets (SS)
go along with each flipchart: each strip sheet has the same ten questions that are on the flipchart.
Timed Challenge Sheets (TCS)
are used separately, but alongside mental flipcharts and strip sheets to:
a) Help children learn table facts and number bonds.
b) Provide deliberate practice in specific areas of maths.
There are five word problems on every flipchart set in a circus context. Here are the circus characters that will bring the numbers to life:
SAMSON gets it right for every child (GIRFEC): all are given the same opportunity and can succeed - not just a chosen few.
Not only will able children be better but weaker children will also significantly improve: it will make all children cleverer. It means the ‘value added’ in attainment figures will rise significantly.
One way, the best way, the most efficient way to master each addition, subtraction, multiplication and division mental strategy.
- A whole school approach from P1-P7: a structured, systematic programme for mental maths which builds gradually from year to year
- Planning sheets (Number Wagons) are provided for each stage and each strategy as well as a methodology advice booklet which explains how to deliver Samson.
A daily session takes only 20 minutes. It is easy for any teacher to deliver.
SAMSON has been used in a large primary school in Dumfries and Galloway (390 pupils) which has a significant area of deprivation within its catchment and a wide range of pupils. Despite this, the attainment figures for mental maths have risen markedly from 82 to over 120 for all P7 pupils.
| SAMSON Average | UK Average | |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 82 | 100 |
| 2013 | 95 | 100 |
| 2014 | 111 | 100 |
| 2015 | 124.9 | 100 |
| 2016 | 121.7 | 100 |
| 2017 | 124.4 | 100 |
In classrooms, with children and alongside teachers from P4-P7. The material was first trialled in P7 and then working alongside teachers and pupils in P4, 5 and 6.
- Children can apply the mental strategies and skills to all areas of maths.
- They develop number sense and become good decision makers.
- Samson helps confidence and encourages flexibility and creativity with numbers.
