i The influence of Monbusho ii Helping less successful students iii The success of compulsory education iv Research findings concerning achievements in maths v The typical format of a maths lesson vi Comparative expenditure on maths education vii Background to middle-years education in Japan viii The key to Japanese successes in maths education ix The role of homework correction Lower secondary schools in Japan cover three school years, from the seventh grade (age 13) to the ninth grade (age 15).