Search results for ""author david bird""

Bridge is played around the world - and often regarded as the best of all card games.'Many games provide fun, but Bridge grips you. It exercises your mind. Your mind can rust, you know, but Bridge prevents the rust from forming' Omar SharifIn this book David Bird builds on TEN WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BRIDGE and presents ten further ways to increase success at the bridge table. In the area of bidding, the Jacoby 2NT convention is described - the most popular way nowadays of showing a strong major-suit raise and investigating slam possibilities. When bidding slams, it is critical to identify the presence or otherwise of the six key cards (the four aces and the king-queen of trumps) Roman Key-card Blackwood allows you to do this. Two important variations (Kickback Blackwood and Exclusion Blackwood) are explained. The Lebensohl convention is covered also, both when partner's INT has been overcalled and when you are responding to a double of a weak-two bid. On defence, the important topic of disrupting declarer's communications is explained. The book will also show how you can become an 'awkward defender', the sort of player that no declarer likes to face. Finally, five important areas of declarer play are addressed: holding up in a suit contract, using the entries provided by the trump suit, how to block the defenders' suit at no-trumps, the various ways to avoid an adverse ruff or overruff and how to overcome a 4-1 trump break.

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Readers of David Bird's humorous bridge stories will give a delighted welcome to this new addition to the celebrated series. As ever, the irascible Abbot makes his acerbic presence felt and the long-suffering fraternity diverts itself with much entertaining and excitingly interesting bridge.For more than 30 years, David Bird's tales of the bridge-crazy monks of St Titus have appeared in magazines around the world. In this tenth collection in book form, the pompous and self-important Abbot hosts a tricky visit from Monsignor Vecchio, a representative of the Vatican authorities. Everything must be done to ensure that the visitor, a very moderate bridge player, finishes well in the monastery duplicate. In another story, the Abbot visits the Convent of St Hilda's and is not overjoyed to be put in partnership with the 80-year-old Mother of Discipline.Regular followers of David Bird's work will know what to expect - a first-rate mixture of excellent bridge, entertaining characters and sparkling dialogue.

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David Bird has surpassed even himself and his inimitable combination of scintillating bridge and humour will swell the ranks of the cognoscenti with equally delighted new recruits. If you are not already happily enrolled, join now!

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The pompous and self-important Abbot returns from his heroics in the Chennai Bermuda Bowl to discover that his fellow monks have taken little interest in this adventure. It is no easy matter for him to once again endure the aggravating ups and downs, familiar to us all, of life as a bridge player. The Abbot plays matches and duplicate sessions against a range of colourful opponents. How can it be that a battle-hardened veteran of the Bermuda Bowl cannot always sweep such moderate opposition aside?Claude Yorke-Smith, his overbearing brother from Devon pays the monastery a visit. The Abbot spends a week in the Convent of Hilda's and is shocked by the severe attitude of the Mother of Discipline. In the final part of the book, the Abbot is visited by his partner from Chennai, the Parrot. How will the bridge players of Hampshire react to such a feathered and outspoken opponent?Other Abbot titles by David Bird: Miracles of Card Play; Unholy Tricks; Doubled and Venerable; Cardinal Sins; The Abbot's Great Sacrifice; Heavenly Contracts; Celestial Cardplay; The Abbot and the Sensational Squeeze; Divine Intervention; The Abbot, the Witchdoctor and the Disastrous Double; The Abbot, the Parrot and the Bermuda Bowl.

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Ten years after their award-winning Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand (August 2009, ISBN 978 1897106 51 8), Seagram & Bird tackle the hardest part of the game: defence. Using the same step-by-step approach, they guide the reader through the minefield of signalling, making a defensive plan and, above all, counting – points, tricks and distribution.

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David Bird and Ron Klinger made a great hit with KOSHER BRIDGE, which was enthusiastically applauded world-wide by the leading bridge critics. In THE RABBI AND THE WEAKER SEX, the retitled KOSHER BRIDGE 2, the cast returns in splendid form and the Rabbi, kindly and considerate, maintains an essential balance between the hilariously warring factions and the excellence of the bridge ensures that readers will be properly instructed while being immoderately entertained. If you did not read the first book you can start with this one. We guarantee you will come back for more.

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MIRACLES OF CARD PLAY led the way for the hugely entertaining series of stories about the bridge-playing monks of St Titus. It would be no exaggeration to say that this series of hilarious stories is without equal in world bridge and is a tribute to the bridge and writing skills of two very distinguished authors.

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David Bird is acknowledged as the world's best when it comes to humorous bridge fiction. As the bridge cruise traverses the Far East, the bridge organiser, Richard Knight, visits Pat Pong - the notorious red-light district of Bangkok - and is enticed by three attractive Thai girls into a bridge game. Other hilarious adventures take place in a drug den in Hong Kong, in backpacker land in Bali, in a Shinto monastery in Kyoto, and in the Double Bay Club in Sydney.A mixture of top-class bridge, exhilarating narrative and a host of true-to-life characters.

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For more than three decades, David Bird's tales of the bridge-crazy monks of St Titus have appeared in magazines around the world. In this eleventh collection in book form, the pompous and self-important Abbot travels to the Upper Bhumpopo mission in Africa. He plays against the Witchdoctor, the Parrot, Mrs Okuku and Miss Nabooba, Mhozi and Mjubu - characters that are familiar from earlier books in the series.Regular followers of David Bird's work will know what to expect - a first-rate mixture of excellent bridge, entertaining characters and sparkling dialogue.

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This expertly presented book is a fabulous guide for players of all levels. It is a clear and effective tutorial for beginners, an essential sourcebook of reference points, sample games, tips and professional strategies for intermediate and high-level players, and a fascinating history of bridge and the great champions for enthusiasts of every kind. In the introduction, the principles of bridge and its continued evolution are discussed, and the first chapter goes on to detail the colourful history of the game. The practical heart of the book then focuses on how to play bridge and improve your game, from basic through to intermediate and advanced-level, both in bidding and cardplay. This teaching course is designed to develop skills and competence - the importance of good bidding, card play and defence, rules of the game, and strategies for successful play. With more than 700 superb photographs and artworks, the book combines a reference manual, a stunning history and a comprehensive course in one beautifully presented and expertly written volume. It details the amazing history of the World Bridge Championships, and the players that have popularised and developed the game we know today; it covers bridge on TV and video, as well as bridge computer programs and playing bridge with opponents accross the world via the internet; and includes anecdotes and tips from world famous players such as Ely Cuthbertson, Charles Goren, Rixi Markus and Benito Garozzo. Players of all levels are able to learn and improve their game, achieve their desired levels of skill and knowledge and, above all, increase their enjoyment by playing bridge to the fullness of their potential.

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Understanding Wine Technology has become the most favoured book of many students. This book is aimed at the person with no formal scientific training, yet who is interested in the science behind wine and wants to know the mechanism behind the complex transformations that take place. Scientific terminology has been kept to a minimum and an attempt has been made to use everyday words and phrases. Indeed, there are places where the scientist might raise the eyebrows, places where perhaps science has had to give way to an easy understanding of a complex principle. In this fourth edition Nicolas Quille, a well-qualified and widely-experienced French winemaker working in Oregon USA has brought the information up-to-date so that this book remains the mainstay for those who are studying for the Diploma of the WSET or for membership of the Institute of Masters of Wine. The text has also been expanded to include more information on the making of the major styles of the wines of the world, which should be of interest to those who are not engaged in study, but who have an enquiring mind and therefore want to know the mechanisms behind their production. Hugh Johnson writes in the Foreword: I'm not sure whether to call this book a primer, a memory-jogger or a lifesaver. Which it is depends on the reader. For WSET students it is essentially the first, then the second. For people like me it is the third- than rather belatedly the first. What we all need is a crisp exposition of how wine is made and why, easy to refer to when a funny smell appears, to cover the physics, natural history, legislation and finally the appreciation of wine. David's first edition has been my stand-by for years. I have my Peynaud, my Amerine & Joslyn, my Michael Schuster for going deeper in certain areas where necessary, but I wouldn't be without Bird in the hand. This fourth edition adds freshly-focused insight into the production of the principal styles of the wines of the world, making it equally interesting for those who are simply lovers of wine and for those who are serious students of the Master of Wine examination. New concepts such as Orange, organic, biodynamic and 'natural' wines have been added to the public's vocabulary - leaving many baffled and curious. Modern food legislation adds another obstacle course for the winemaker to negotiate. The detailed explanation of the mysteries of Hazard Analysis make this book particularly useful for wineries that are faced with the new problems of food safety legislation. Essentially, though, this is the classic Bird, much updated from the third edition and available once more to ease the pangs of students young and old.

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The card-play exploits of the monks at St Titus have a special place in bridge literature and their fame has now spread round the world. This collection of highly entertaining and absorbing stories from the monastery includes a further hilarious interlude with the missionary monks and the celebrated bridge-playing parrot in the Bozwambi jungle.

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'The monks are back. That's all you need to know if you have already been exposed to the wonderful series by Terence Reese and David Bird, featuring high-level bridge deals and high-level laughter, about the fanatical bridge-playing denizens of St Titus. Divine Intervention follows one of the earlier books by including an African interlude, but the high-spot in this book comes when a director tries to give a ruling in an unprecedented situation involving the silent Brother Anthony.' The Bridge World'Ensure that you start reading this book at a weekend, in the morning, because - like me - you may not be able to put it down until you have finished. The deals are interesting, the instruction is painless, the stories are amusing, and the characters are fascinating stereotypes, familiar personalities to every club player.' Bridge Plus

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If you ever sit by the elbow of a famous player, you will be surprised by many of the plays. What is going on in the great player's mind? In this exciting new book by Britain's top bridge writer, David Bird, and the world-renowned professional player, Martin Hoffman, you will find out!Twelve important areas of cardplay have been chosen, involving both declarer play and defence. For those not in the know, the various plays appear to be inspired. They are in fact the result of cold hard logic. Learn the correct thought processes yourself and - whatever you aspirations may be - your cardplay will improve significantly.

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In this book, the pompous and self-important Abbot spots a chance to take part in that Holy Grail of Bridge - the Bermuda Bowl world championships. Casting all ethics aside, he pursues this dream. Partnered by the Parrot, with the Witchdoctor, Mbozi, Mrs Okoku and Miss Nabooba as team-mates, he travels to India's Chennai and faces many of the world's real-life players.Regular followers of David Bird's work will know what to expect - a first-rate mixture of amazing bridge, entertaining characters and sparkling dialogue.

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David Bird, known world-wide for his tales of the bridge-crazy monks of St Titus, moves to a hilarious new setting. Bridge is a compulsory subject at Cholmeley school and a host of vibrant characters participate in the action. Madame Baguette, the Senior French mistress, chases any master whose hair is still where it should be. They, meanwhile, turn a roving eye towards Yvonne Guitton, the junior French mistress. And woe betide any unhappy boy (or member of staff) who finds himself partnering the irascible Headmaster.As with all David Bird's books, it is not just a matter of the readers being convulsed with laughter. The bridge is as brilliant as ever, and by the time the final episode is reached, much sound bridge instruction has been painlessly absorbed. Which is more than can be said for those poor unfortunates caught playing a torch-lit rubber after lights-out.

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If you are a middling player and are keen to advance, this book will show you the way forward. David Bird has taken ten key areas in bidding and play and has applied his considerable skills as a player and critic to prove how results can be gained. The topics covered range from bidding the opponents' suit and battling for the part-score to support doubles and redoubles, and splinter bids and fit jumps. The essential points to remember are summarised at the end of each chapter and there are problems to solve which will show how much you have taken on board.Why wait any longer? Your opportunity to become a better player is here!

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In this hugely entertaining book David Bird describes the most spectacular and amusing disasters suffered by the world's top players. There are two reasons for studying such disasters - you can learn from them and (yes!) you can enjoy them.In common with the previous books in this mini-series, you will be directly involved in the action at various stages, invited to make your own choice of bid, lead or play. This is excitement in itself, for the hands are all taken from top-class matches.

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The Shanghai Maths Project Teacher's Guide part B, along with part A, provides teachers with all the support they need to deliver the programme of study as part of a mastery approach. It takes teachers through each topic, explains mathematical contexts and provides teaching ideas and activities for whole-class, intervention and enrichment. The Shanghai Maths Project Teacher's Guide 6B, together with The Shanghai Maths Project Teacher's Guide 6A, provides teachers with all the support they need to deliver the Year 6 maths programme of study as part of a mastery approach to teaching. Contents include:• Comprehensive introduction, including guidance on mastery, variation theory, the concrete pictorial abstract (CPA) approach• Recommended teaching sequence and planning support• Units of teaching, with suggested activities for whole-class instruction, methods and suggested activities to provide same-day intervention and same-day enrichment (mastery with greater depth).

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Collins GCSE AQA Maths Grade 5-7 Workbook provides targeted practice at the right level for students looking to achieve Grade 5 and beyond in their GCSE exam. It is packed with exercises to develop the fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills students need to achieve without limitation. Exam Board: AQALevel & Subject: GCSE MathsFirst teaching: September 2015 First exams: June 2017 Written and reviewed by GCSE maths experts, this workbook is fully up to date for current GCSE Maths specifications Perfect for students who are aiming for or need extra practice at grades 5, 6 and 7 Focus on building a mastery mindset, with ramped practice to give students the confidence to achieve without limitation Targets the skills and topics that will have most impact for students looking to maximise their potential at Higher Tier, informed by the latest examiner reports Prepares students to answer new-style reasoning and problem-solving questions confidently Organised by strand for easy integration into any teaching programme Exam practice papers allow students to test their GCSE readiness with calculator and non-calculator papers.

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Since its publication in 1999, 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know has sold more than 250,000 copies in six languages. It has become a much-valued text and reference for everyone from social players to those who regularly spend time at their local bridge club. But bridge has changed in the last 23 years. Bidding has changed. Some of the conventions in the original book have fallen into disuse, while others have gained in popularity and importance. Many basic conventions have changed in subtle ways as bidding methods have developed. Today's players need to be in tune with what is happening and stay current. This new edition has been thoroughly updated, while retaining the approach and features that made the original so popular. Every convention in the book has been carefully revised to reflect the way it is used in the modern game. Students are now universally taught to play transfers in response to a strong no-trump opening, and the new edition reflects that change in several ways. Three chapters (Landy, Grand Slam Force and Ogust responses to Weak Twos) have been dropped completely in favour of Bergen Raises and the DONT and Meckwell defenses to 1NT.

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Seagram and Bird's previous book Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand (ISBN 978 1897106 51 8; August 2009) was named Book of the Year in 2010 by the American Bridge Teachers' Association. It introduced the basic concepts of how to go about making a plan as declarer for beginning and improving players, and is a popular text for bridge teachers. This sequel extends the plan to more complex situations, and covers ideas such as safety plays, avoidance play, trump control, dummy reversal, and endplays. It will appeal to players who have a good grasp of the basics of declarer play, and are looking to improve from there.

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DOUBLED AND VENERABLE is the third title in Terence Reese's and David Bird's collection of stories about the bridge-playing monks of St Titus whose exploits delight readers the world over. The huge success of these books lies not only in their being extremely funny but also in their being instructional as they are crammed with gems of bridge bidding and play.

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Planning the Play of a Bridge Hand, by the same author team, (978 1897106 51 8), was named the 2010 Book of the Year by the American Bridge Teachers' Association. Building on the success of that title, this book gives the near-beginner a chance to practice the principles on which sound defensive play is based, from the opening lead onwards. This is not just a series of problem hands, however. Each section contains a brief introduction of its topic, and the ideas are reinforced with carefully explained solutions and helpful tips throughout.

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David Bird, the world's leading humorous bridge writer, joins forces again with Ron Klinger, one of the world's best-known bridge teachers and authors. The result is a scintillating new collection of stories about the bridge-playing Rabbi.Where else would you find an unnervingly plausible account of a Rabbi gambling his holiday money in a high-stake rubber game against three wealthy Arabs? And where might you chance upon a parable such as the Synagogue team facing a team of Catholic priests and nuns (hired professionals!) as part of the St Benedict Commemoration celebrations?As readers of KOSHER BRIDGE and THE RABBI AND THE WEAKER SEX (previously KOSHER BRIDGE 2) will expect, the humour is sparkling and the bridge brilliant. Sit back, hold tight, and enjoy this vastly entertaining book.

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Collins Cambridge IGCSE™ Additional Maths Student’s Book – Second Edition is written by an experienced author team to provide in-depth coverage of every aspect of the revised Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 syllabus, for first examination from 2025. Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment International EducationFor examination from: 2025. This resource also covers the Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus. Cover the entire curriculum with confidence with clear references to what students will learn at the start of every chapter and content fully updated for the revised syllabus and assessment. Build upon the IGCSE Mathematics course with exercises designed to test students’ initial understanding and prepare them for Additional Mathematics content. Consolidate understanding with tried and tested questions in extensive practice exercises and detailed worked examples, with hints on how to tackle tricky content. Develop confidence working without a calculator with clearly labelled questions and exercises. Help students to prepare for examination with review questions at the end of every chapter, including Cambridge questions from past papers. Support students in developing problem-solving skills with flagged questions and a Problem-solving in Context feature that require students to apply their skills and understanding. Emphasise the relevance of maths in the real world with Why this chapter matters, showing maths in everyday life or its place in historical developments. Deliver a fully international course with international examples, contexts, names, currency and locations. Assist English as Second Language learners understand complex mathematical terminology with clear key term definitions, gathered in a glossary. Challenge students to stretch their skills and understanding with flagged extension questions in both the practice exercises and the chapter review questions. Support students in assessing their own understanding of the content through a progression checklist at the end of every chapter and answers to all questions at the back of the book. We are working with Cambridge Assessment International Education towards endorsement of this title.

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The Shanghai Maths Project Teacher's Guide part A, along with part B, provides teachers with all the support they need to deliver the programme of study as part of a mastery approach. It takes teachers through each topic, explains mathematical contexts and provides teaching ideas and activities for whole-class, intervention and enrichment. The Shanghai Maths Project Teacher's Guide 6A, together with The Shanghai Maths Project Teacher's Guide 6B, provides teachers with all the support they need to deliver the Year 6 maths programme of study as part of a mastery approach to teaching. Contents include:Comprehensive introduction, including guidance on mastery, variation theory, the concrete pictorial abstract (CPA) approachRecommended teaching sequence and planning supportUnits of teaching, with suggested activities for whole-class instruction, methods and suggested activities to provide same-day intervention and same-day enrichment (mastery with greater depth)

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Using the same format as The Pocket Guide to Bridge, this book provides a handy pocket summary of about two dozen basic concepts in defensive cardplay. In a concise but readable manner, it summarizes most of the material presented in 25 Ways to Be a Better Defender by the same author team (Master Point Press; 2004; ISBN 978 1897106 11 2).

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UNHOLY TRICKS by Terence Reese and David Bird is a further collection of bridge tales involving the eccentric monks of St Titus. In addition to their usual rubber bridge games - and they play for surprisingly high stakes at the monastery - the monks become involved in duplicate matches against nuns, visiting Italians and even the local police.

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This expertly presented book gives all the information needed to begin playing cards, with advice on the rules and strategies of each game. The bulk of the book is 200 card games, covers fun and classic games for families and friends. Special sections on poker and bridge guide you through all the basic information needed to begin playing. For every card game there is an explanation of the type of pack required, ideal age, playing and scoring, and plenty of diagrams of sample games. This beautifully presented guide is a great resource for all card game enthusiasts. Suitable for beginners and advanced players alike, this practical book will teach you everything you need to play a variety of exciting games* Learn how to play classics such as Baccarat, Cribbage, Go Fish, Gin Rummy and Kaluki * Similar card games are grouped, so it is simple to find fun and challenging family games as well as advanced games * A special focus on poker gives rules and winning strategies, skills and tactics, with useful tips for players at all levels as well as expert guidance for professional players * Clearly explained with more than 1200 easy-to-follow photographs and illustrations

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Cambridge IGCSE™ Additional Mathematics Teacher’s Guide – Second Edition provides full support and guidance for teaching the revised Cambridge IGCSE Additional Maths 0606 syllabus for first examination from 2025. Save time with homework worksheets and extension worksheets in Word format available for download. Exam Board: Cambridge Assessment International EducationFor examination from: 2025 This resource also covers the Cambridge O Level Additional Mathematics 4037 syllabus. Start teaching straight away with detailed lesson plans that include clear syllabus references, common mistakes and remediation, useful tips for a fresh approach and guidance around how to deliver activities from the Student’s Book. Challenge and stretch more able students with extension activity sheets, that provide students with practice at a high level. Provide ready-made homework for every lesson with printable and editable homework worksheets. Check and mark students’ work with the answers for the Student’s Book exercises and chapter review sections; homework sheets; and extension questions. Personalise your course with all files available to download in Word format to ensure a perfect fit for your school. We are working with Cambridge Assessment International Education towards endorsement of this title.

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Collins GCSE Maths Edexcel Grade 5-7 Workbook provides targeted practice at the right level for students looking to achieve Grade 5 and beyond in their GCSE exam. It is packed with exercises to develop the fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills students need to achieve without limitation. Exam Board: EdexcelLevel & Subject: GCSE MathsFirst teaching: September 2015 First exams: June 2017 Written and reviewed by GCSE maths experts, this workbook is fully up to date for current GCSE Maths specifications Perfect for students who are aiming for or need extra practice at grades 5, 6 and 7 Focus on building a mastery mindset, with ramped practice to give students the confidence to achieve without limitation Targets the skills and topics that will have most impact for students looking to maximise their potential at Higher Tier, informed by the latest examiner reports Prepares students to answer new-style reasoning and problem-solving questions confidently Organised by strand for easy integration into any teaching programme Exam practice papers allow students to test their GCSE readiness with calculator and non-calculator papers.

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The Shanghai Maths Project Year 6 Learning is a pupil textbook containing the Year 6 maths facts and full pictorial glossary to enable children to master the Year 6 maths programme of study for England. It sits alongside the Practice Books and the Teacher’s Guide to complete the Shanghai Maths programme for Year 6. The Shanghai Maths Project Year 6 Learning is a pupil textbook containing:• Maths facts for each topic with colourful models and images• Full Year 6 pictorial glossary of mathematical termsIt sits alongside the Practice Books and the Teacher’s Guide to complete the Shanghai Maths programme for Year 6.

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