Background and Experience
Can you share a bit about your background in mathematics and how it has influenced your perspective on education?
I didn’t go to school planning to pursue math but over time, I found a passion for the subject. After studying theoretical math in college, I earned a more practical master’s in financial mathematics which has served me well in my career at an investment bank. Whatever path my children pursue, it’s my priority that they get an excellent education in math and are fearless when approaching new problems.
Children's Education and NAISNY
How did you come to choose Nord Anglia International School New York for your children’s education?
I knew I wanted a strong academic math program for my children and when we were considering schools we couldn’t find anything close to NAISNY’s approach. The balance of strong foundations in numeracy and problem solving, and experiencing math through games and projects was exactly the fit for our family.
In what ways do you feel the school's approach to mathematics aligns with the strong mathematical foundation you hope your children will receive?
NAISNY does an excellent job introducing mathematical concepts early and in age-appropriate ways, and then building on that foundation over time. For example, the grouping exercises in my sons’s Reception class are the building blocks for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In Year 4 my daughter’s focus on different types of triangles is the beginning of work with angles and trigonometry.
Curriculum and Teaching
How does the curriculum at NAISNY support the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in mathematics?
NAISNY’s approach to teaching math emphasizes several key skills, including logic, problem solving, critical thinking, and resilience. Material is never memorized - instead it’s explored and discovered, giving the children those “a ha!” moments I loved during my studies.
Parental Involvement and Observations
How involved are you in your children's mathematical learning at home, and how does the school support parental involvement in this area?
My focus at home is reinforcing school lessons with practical examples, whether we are baking, shopping, or building. While some of the homework tricks and rhymes have changed, I’ve always found NAISNY’s teachers approachable and patient in explaining the latest methods to a given topic.
Advice and Insights
As a parent with a strong math background, what advice would you give to other parents who are looking to strengthen their children's mathematical abilities?
My advice would be to bring math into your everyday life, whether it’s counting change, dividing a snack evenly among friends, or discussing the charts and graphs you find in the newspaper. And never say, “I’m not a math person”!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with NAISNY or the importance of a strong foundation in mathematics for students?
Math teaches you how to evaluate a challenge, think through the possibilities, and work out a solution. Regardless of what path a child pursues, the skills learned in a high-quality math program go far beyond calculations. NAISNY gives children a deep understanding and an expansive view of the world through math, which reaches into other subjects like science, music, and art. I’ve been thrilled with the program and look forward to seeing my children progress.
