Last year, we reported that a selection of British primary schools planned to introduce Shanghai mathematics textbooks into their classrooms, and it's finally official. Pupils from the UK now have the opportunity to experience the mathematical magic from China, as English versions of the textbooks have made their debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair, reports Shine.
Earlier this week, HarperCollins, the publisher of the books, held a ceremony at the book fair, announcing the official release of the books. The first series on sale will be the textbooks and practice books for grades one and two. The remaining will be gradually released later this year.
Image via Tecent
The reason behind the introduction may be the underperformance of British kids in the Math category of PISA tests (Programme for International Student Assessment.) In 2015, the United Kingdom ranked 27th, while Shanghai topped the rankings when participating as a single entity in 2009 and 2012.
In March of 2017, HarperCollins signed an agreement with the Shanghai Century Publishing Group on the introduction of the books at the London Book Fair. Then, the publishing agency put together a team of experts to maintain the essence of the books while making the content suitable for local students.
Image via Amazon
As the title of the books, Real Shanghai Mathematics, indicates, the textbooks are written and edited by experienced teachers from Shanghai. The original books have been used in the city for nearly 20 years.
"As publishers, it's our job to provide qualified knowledge services," Wanglan, CEO of the Shanghai Century Publishing Group, told Shine. "We are glad to cooperate with HarperCollins to help bring textbooks of Shanghai to Britain and build up their competence in Math. We hope more countries can employ the textbooks."
[Cover image via The Paper]
