TWO Dorset schools are involved in an £11 million national project to boost England's performance in maths.

Twynham and Purbeck Schools are taking part in the Shanghai Maths Project which involves learning good practice from China.

International tests reveal that 15-year-olds in Shanghai are three years ahead of their English counterparts in mathematical ability.

In September teacher Clare Hill from Twynham and Carl Morris from Purbeck travelled to Shanghai to observe lessons and take part in feedback sessions.

For the last two weeks two teachers from China, Gig Xu and Angela Ma, have been teaching pupils at Twynham and they will now move on to Purbeck.

Clare Hill, Director of Mathematics at Twynham, said: "There is much to learn from our Shanghai colleagues, not to change our teaching but to enhance what we already do so well. I have been struck by the design, not only of their individual lessons, but of their curriculum overall.

"Levels of consistency are extremely high in their teaching because of this well researched and defined curriculum that is improved through teacher research from year to year. It has been an absolute honour to have Mrs Ma and Mrs Xu working with us for the last fortnight."

Twynham head Dr Terry Fish added: "What is clear from this fascinating project is that there is much to learn in both directions. Our Chinese colleagues have been delightful and it has been a huge privilege to be involved in this project."