Hear from Saquib Tamimi, a Year 4, 5 & 6 Maths Lead and Key Stage 2 Phase Lead at Castleview Primary School in Slough, UK, about how they use Sumdog to make homework more appealing and support classroom learning.
About the school
Castleview Primary School is a large, vibrant primary school based in Slough, Berkshire, with a diverse school community and a strong focus on academic excellence and pupil wellbeing. As part of their commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, Castleview encourages innovation in the classroom and embraces technology to engage and support every learner. In 2022, the school introduced Sumdog to help enhance maths attainment and increase pupil motivation across Key Stage 2.
Choosing the right platform for our pupils
At Castleview, we’ve always had pupils who enjoy a challenge, especially when it comes to maths. We wanted to build on that enthusiasm by introducing a tool that could not only make maths enjoyable, but also help move learning forward in a meaningful way. Sumdog felt like the perfect fit. I was looking for something that made homework more appealing and supported classroom learning without adding pressure. From the outset, it was clear that Sumdog had the right mix of fun and function. The game-based learning approach got the pupils instantly engaged, and the fact that it was easy to implement across classes made it a no-brainer for us.
Bringing maths to life in the classroom
Fridays have now become something our pupils really look forward to - what we call our alternate maths day. Instead of sticking to the usual lesson format, we focus on puzzles, investigations, and digital learning. More often than not, the pupils are eager to get the Chromebooks out and jump onto Sumdog. Whether it’s for setting class competitions, recapping skills, or just consolidating learning in a different way, it’s become a natural part of our routine. We also use it regularly for homework, and it’s been fantastic to have a tool that motivates pupils to continue their learning beyond the school day.
"The children know it’s still maths, but they see it as something enjoyable rather than a task."
They love customising their avatars, earning coins, and playing the different games - keeping the momentum going across the term.
Supporting and engaging every learner
What I really appreciate about Sumdog is how inclusive it is. Every child can access it at their own level, meaning they all feel successful and involved. It allows for differentiation without drawing attention to ability levels. One of my pupils, who previously found maths quite daunting, has had a complete turnaround in attitude since we started using Sumdog. She now sees herself as someone who can do maths, and it’s having a really positive impact on her confidence. We’ve also introduced pupil-led initiatives, such as Maths Champions in Year 6. These pupils help promote engagement by supporting teachers and classmates in setting up tournaments. It’s created a lovely culture of shared learning and celebration, and has helped reinforce the idea that maths can be collaborative and fun.
A positive impact across the school
Since introducing Sumdog, we’ve noticed a real shift in attitudes towards maths. Pupils are more motivated, more confident, and more willing to have a go - even when something is challenging. Teachers find it easy to use and embed into their weekly planning, and the data it provides gives us useful insight into individual progress. Parents have also responded positively, particularly when they see their children choosing to go on Sumdog at home without being prompted. For us, it’s become more than just a tool - it’s part of our school culture around learning. It supports core skills, builds confidence, and makes maths feel fresh and engaging. In a busy school environment, having something that’s so effective and easy to use really makes a difference.
