Developing mathematical reasoning: an opportunity for secondary school maths departments

Dear Colleagues

An opportunity to participate in a new project centred on development of pupils' mathematical reasoning in KS3 is open to expression of interest.

Developing mathematical reasoning: an opportunity for secondary school maths departments http://www.mathshubs.org.uk/ programme is looking for 175 secondary school maths departments across England to participate in a new, free programme of professional development, with the aim of improving teachers' confidence in developing pupils' mathematical reasoning.

Developing reasoning is one of the three core aims of the new national curriculum, and Maths Hubs have chosen to focus this year on how this is achieved in KS3. Each Maths Hub is now looking to work in partnership with about five mathematics departments that want to develop their departmental practice and culture in this priority area.

It is an opportunity for teachers to participate in a high quality professional development programme jointly led by the NCETM and the Maths Hubs network. In each area, the local Maths Hub will lead the programme, drawing upon one of its Higher Education Institution partners.

If your Maths department participates:

• two teachers in your department will participate in four professional development workshops (one in each half term from January to July) concentrating on reasoning in KS3, and
• in between each PD workshop, these teachers will lead a lesson study gap task (which will include peer observation and reflection) in which all the department will take part, as a result of which
• you and your colleagues will each individually improve your knowledge and confidence to develop your pupils' reasoning, and
• you and your colleagues will collectively experience rich and sustained PD that will ensure that how your departmental practice and culture develops this year is embedded and deepened next year, and thereafter.

For further information, please complete the attached Expression of Interest form (DOCX, 164.1 KB) and return to your chosen Maths Hub by 27 November 2015. If you have any questions, please contact your local Maths Hub.

Kind Regards

Noureddin Khassal
Improvement Adviser | Education & Young People's Services
Telephone: 03000 41 79 79
Email: noureddin.khassal@kent.gov.uk