LOCAL leaders in education have attended a major conference to discuss the latest innovations in the teaching of mathematics.
Eighty-six delegates, specialising in mathematics leadership from primary schools, secondary schools and local authorities, spent the day at the Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington.
The conference was hosted by The Archimedes North-East Maths Hub, The Great North Maths Hub and The Yorkshire Ridings Maths Hub.
The National Maths Hub programme is funded by the Department for Education and coordinated by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. It aims to raise achievements in mathematics by harnessing leadership, expertise and spreading best practice for the benefit of all pupils.
Helen Keough, assistant vice-principal at Carmel College, Darlington, and senior lead for the Archimedes North-East Maths Hub, hosted by The Carmel Education Trust, said: “This is the first collaborative Maths Hub conference in the North to promote the new mastery teaching methods, which will help to put our students at the forefront of all key stages in mathematical education.”
“The North of England is a thriving region with 15 million people, 29 universities, an economy of £300 billion and exports of £55 billion and we need to make sure that our leaders in mathematical education are also trained to be the best in the country.
“Primary schools in the North East are among the best in the country with 90 per cent judged as good or outstanding and we need to continue to strive for all children in the region to get the best possible educational provision in mathematics.”
There are currently 35 Maths Hubs across the country supporting schools to experience and implement teaching for mastery approaches, including learning from maths experts in Shanghai, where teaching methods are considered some of the most effective in the world.
Conference key note speaker Ofsted chief inspector for maths in England Jane Jones said: “It is very exciting for me to be a part of a conference where the understanding of mathematical mastery and problem solving is being further embedded in the maths curriculum with enthusiasm, confidence and passion.”
Director for primary for the National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Maths Debbie Morgan added: “There are set to be some big changes to mathematical teaching and previously held teaching beliefs. Today’s conference is helping to show how this will work and how leaders can help to support the process.”
For further information, visit carmelarchimedesmathshub.org.uk.