US Common Core vs.
British Numeracy
Moving from an American school (like ASD) to a British school (like JESS) in Dubai? We explain why your child might be "ahead" in some topics but "behind" in others.
The Grade Translation Trap
The #1 cause of panic is the number on the classroom door.
US Grade 1 = UK Year 2.
If you move from a US school to a British school, your child "jumps" a number. They haven't skipped a grade; the naming convention is just different. But the curriculum content does shift.
Spiral vs. Mastery: Why They Are Confused
It’s not just the grade names. The way Math is taught is fundamentally different.
| Feature | US Curriculum (Common Core) | British Curriculum (National) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Spiral. You touch on a topic (e.g., Fractions), leave it, and come back to it next year to go deeper. | Mastery (Block). You spend 3-4 weeks solely on Fractions and don't move on until the class gets it. |
| Mental Math | Focus on process and explaining thinking. | Speed focus. Strict requirements for rapid recall of times tables by Year 4. |
| Terminology | Math, Trapezoid, PEMDAS. | Maths, Trapezium, BODMAS. |
The Specific Shocks
Moving your child mid-primary? Watch out for these pitfalls:
US ➡️ UK: The "Written Method" Shock
British schools introduce formal written methods (Column Addition/Subtraction) very early (Year 3). A child coming from a US Grade 2 might still be using mental strategies or number lines and will lose marks for not "showing working" the British way.
UK ➡️ US: The "Conceptual" Shock
US Common Core asks students to explain their answer in sentences or draw multiple models. A British student who is used to just getting the right answer quickly might find this frustratingly slow.
How We Bridge the Gap
Whether you are moving to ASD or DESS, your child needs a "Translation" period. Our tutors act as the bridge, teaching them the new vocabulary and methods so they don't feel behind on Day 1.
Moving Schools in Dubai?
Don't let a curriculum change ruin their confidence. We have specialized "Bridge Tutors" who know both US Common Core and UK White Rose Maths.
Book a Bridge TutorThis article compares general trends between the US Common Core and UK National Curriculum standards as applied in Dubai private schools. Specific schools (e.g., IB schools like DIA) may use a blend of both (PYP). Parents are advised to check the specific "Math Calculation Policy" of their new school for exact methodology.