Thought-Provoking Challenges
The Lower School math program is designed to encourage mathematical thinking through a spiraling scope and sequence. Beginning in the primary years, the boys are taught important foundation skills using a variety of strategies and skill applications. In order to develop true mathematical understanding, the boys learn to apply the many skills in different formats, as well as in real-life applications. Our goal, in this division, is to develop in every student a solid understanding of numbers and their related numerical operations. This is emphasized with a focus on problem solving both within word problems and in isolation. Through the use of manipulatives and experiential learning, the objective is to develop young mathematicians who do not rotely complete computational tasks, but rather gain a true understanding of the process.
In the intermediate years, our students’ experiences and understanding gain depth as more abstract applications are introduced. Boys are encouraged to use their base of knowledge to tackle mathematical problems where the steps and strategies needed to solve them are not as easily discerned. The students build on the foundational skills previously taught as they become more independent thinkers. In order to maximize the development of these independent skills, logical reasoning and divergent thinking problems are included in their everyday learning. By encouraging boys to apply previously learned skills in new and more challenging ways, they are being set up to confidently approach a range of increasingly demanding mathematical domains in the future.
An essential part of our mathematics program is our CORE curriculum. Boys are asked to collaborate on a particular task with a partner, to organize their information by developing a plan together, to review the steps they intend to follow, and then to evaluate whether the steps they followed adequately address the questions asked in the problem. This provides rigorous math instruction through productive struggle. The students learn to become capable and creative problem solvers as they work together to solve non-routine mathematical problems.
Gordon Korman, the prolific author of children’s books and young-adult fiction, visited with Lower and Middle School students in late October, offering a lively recap of a creative, bountiful career spanning almost 47 years.
Brunswick's final match of the season was the NEPSAC Championship game against Phillips Exeter Academy at Mehra Natatorium on Sunday, with the Bruins ultimately earning a 20-13 win to capture their 10th consecutive New England Championship title.
A grieving mother and physician-turned-advocate visited Brunswick to speak to parents and Upper School students about the hidden danger of fentanyl.
Deep blue skies and bright sunshine set the stage for another terrific Homecoming, with scores of alumni, students, parents, and friends flocking to Edwards Campus to celebrate a weekend’s worth of thrilling athletic contests, joyful connection, and heartfelt reunions.