The Mathematical Thinking for GCSE project is for secondary maths teachers looking for practical and theoretical elements to address their students’ GCSE attainment.

The stated aims of the KS4 Programme of Study are that, through working on the content, students should develop mathematical fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem solving. While mathematical thinking is a key feature of all of these, the focus of this Work Group is to support teachers in developing their understanding of mathematical thinking as it relates to problem-solving and reasoning, using practical task types to explore what it means for students to get better at mathematical thinking and what this looks like in the classroom.

WHO CAN TAKE PART?
This is for teachers of KS4 who want to further develop their pedagogical and theoretical understanding of developing mathematical thinking, and practical classroom strategies to explore these ideas. Lead participants will be expected to lead developments from the Work Group in their own department and so should have the opportunity and authority to do this effectively.

Departments that have already engaged with the Work Group have the opportunity to continue with the Work Group structure in order to explore further and think more deeply about supporting mathematical thinking in the classroom by participating in a second ‘deepening’ year.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Exam boards often note that, when students come to GCSE exams, AO2 and AO3 are frequently poorly addressed. This Work Group is designed to:

offer teachers support so that they are better equipped to help all students develop their mathematical thinking, ultimately preparing them for the challenges of the GCSE and beyond
support teachers in understanding and using participation in a Work Group as the basis of collaborative continued professional development for themselves and within their department.

The Work Group is structured around four workshops with school-based tasks for participants to complete and reflect upon between each meeting. Days One and Four are full days (or equivalent), with Days Two and Three each taking 0.5 days.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN
Participants and their schools will:

increase their experience and understanding of the role of reasoning and problem-solving in the curriculum
understand how these are tested at GCSE
understand effective collaborative approaches to embed developments department-wide
demonstrate improved confidence in planning and leading lessons that support deep mathematical thinking
consider next steps for further deepening, developing and reviewing mathematical thinking.

DATES AND LOCATION

(9.45am-3.00pm)
Day 1: 21st January 2022 (George Spencer Academy- George Spencer Conference Centre, Arthur Mee Road, Stapleford, Nottingham, NG9 7EW)
Day 2: 08/03/2022 (Online)
Day 3: 29/04/2022 (Online)

By signing up there is an expectation that you attend all sessions for the full length unless there is an emergency.

COST
The Work Group is offered free to all state-funded secondary schools in England.

COVID-19 Recovery
The ongoing impact of the corona virus outbreak and knock on effects on schools life remain uncertain. So, all Maths Hubs work will adapt to changing realities. There's likely to be more live online collaboration, for example. In addition Work Groups content will address both schools recovery from corona virus related disruption and the central maths subject matter of each project.

Thank you for expressing an interest in our programme. Please complete the information below to secure your place.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at
mathshub@george-spencer.notts.sch.uk.