Alpha and Beta Mathematics

Alpha Mathematics and Beta Mathematics, first published by Schofield & Sims in the 1970s, were developed to provide a cohesive, progressively planned course which, when completed, would give students of junior and middle school age a broadly-based foundation in mathematics, deemed essential for future progress. Alpha Mathematics catered for students of good average or above average ability, approximately 45% of the age group at that time. The pace, progressions and extensions were geared to the potential of those more able students who could be expected, after training, to work in groups or individually at their own rate with the minimum of help from the teacher. Beta Mathematics catered for the remainder of the age group, many of whom might have had reading difficulties. This course was covered at a slower pace using suitable apparatus and teaching devices, quantities were deliberately kept small and the importance of vocabulary and language was highlighted. There was a close relationship between the two series, which enabled students to transfer from one to the other without difficulty.