Page 18 - link magazine

11 year old is a GCSE maths star
preschool Dylan Clark-Webb from

gymnastics Grange Park demonstrated
amazing talent by achieving
an A* in maths in his last term
where an early at Millbrook Primary School.
And he did it entirely from
start makes a world studying course workbooks
and help from his mum
of difference! Emma who explained that an
assessment in Year 4 showed
his ability was that of a gifted
12 year old. At the same time
Dylan was diagnosed with
a mild form of Asperger’s
syndrome.
“I’m incredibly proud of
Dylan’s achievement,” said
Emma. “The Asperger’s didn’t
hinder his ability; it seems to
have had a positive effect on
his maths ability. Dylan has a
thirst for knowledge and has Maths talent Dylan Clark-Webb
a very good memory which
means he can absorb information “Maths makes sense to me: I was
very quickly. given the further maths GCSE
“Millbrook were able to help him course book for my birthday and
at first with more advanced work it looks like I can do it. But I find
but he soon needed more. I’m not English a bit difficult. I like grammar
daily classes for the under 5’s a pushy parent but I felt it would and vocabulary but using imagina-
be a shame if Dylan wasn’t able to tion to write a story is not easy for
01793 822262 discover how far he could go and we me.
www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk got him the GCSE course books. We “I don’t watch TV much and only
tried to find him a tutor when he play computer games if I’m allowed
said he wanted to try the exam, but to. I like to play the clarinet too.”
they were all booked up so he was He started at Lydiard Park
stuck with me.” Academy in September and Emma
Emma herself achieved an A* in is hopeful that Dylan’s teachers
GCSE maths at Wootton Bassett there can help him progress even
School. With her support Dylan only further. “They have experience with
put in an extra hour of homework a gifted children and a strong maths
week for two years, and two hours programme so I think Dylan will be
extra in the year before he took the able to find his level with other stu-
exam in June this year. dents. The effects of his Asperger’s
Dylan said he enjoyed the extra is reduced if his mind is active and
study. “I came out of the maths he’s not bored.”
SATS in May and did a mock GCSE Dylan’s 4 year old brother Aidan
paper. I did the exam in June at started at Tregoze Primary School
Lydiard Park Academy. I was a bit in September and is also keen on
worried about sitting down with 16 maths. For Emma the extra effort
year olds, but they put me at the is worth it. “Encouraging the boys
back of the hall and I felt alright.” results in happy children which is a
Explaining his talent, Dylan said: positive for our family.”

The Springboard to
Confidence for your child

Britain’s leading National Active Physical Play
programme for children from 6 months to 7 years.
Your child will learn agility, balance, climbing,
co-ordination appropriate to his or her age.
Structured programmes designed to build
self confidence and develop essential
listening and language skills.
Supervised by trained staff in a fun and
caring environment.
Tumble Tots now in your area!
For information about local centres call
Liz Davies on 0844 800 0219
www.tumbletots.com/swindon
18 swindonlink.com n October 2015