#Mathsconf8

I had a neat fourth dimension at #mathsconf8. Thanks to Mark McCourt too La Salle Education for organising to a greater extent than or less other fantastic lawsuit for maths teachers.

Friday night

We had a big turnout at the pre-conference drinks on Friday. It was lovely to grab upwards amongst people I've non seen inward a while. Workload was a mutual give-and-take call for - sometimes it's helpful to allow off steam nearly the challenges of the project every bit good every bit sharing the highlights.

The best business office of the even was our Pringles Enigma machine activity! When nosotros visited Bletchley Park over summertime nosotros were treated to a display of a existent Enigma machine past times Tom (@TeaKayB). At the fourth dimension Tom mentioned that it's possible to brand an Enigma machine out of a Pringles subway scheme then nosotros invited him along to #mathsconf8 drinks to present us how! Here's what I came upwards with, assisted past times @JoLocke1 (it works! We were able to decrypt a message). 

Kim (@MsKmp) didn't bring a Pringles subway scheme exactly managed to brand her Enigma machine out of a vino bottle! If you're interested inward having a become at this activity, all the instructions too materials are here.

At the pre-conference drinks I also chatted to Craig Barton. I was interested to listen that he has relaunched his website mrbartonmaths.com. For a resourceaholic similar me, this is exciting news! I'm looking forrard to exploring all the resources that Craig has pulled together. For every topic he has provided specifications, videos, worksheets, diagnostic questions, lessons, rich tasks, interactive resources too probing questions. Amazing.

Saturday

The conference was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed my twenty-four hr catamenia too went dwelling identify feeling inspired.

The twenty-four hr catamenia kicked off amongst Mark McCourt talking us through the 1089 activity. I've heard of this activity earlier exactly non looked at it inward detail. I actually enjoyed doing the maths (even inward base of operations seven!) too tin view that this would brand a vivid lesson for students. I hope to purpose it at schoolhouse at to a greater extent than or less call for this year.

I also enjoyed the speed dating session where I picked upwards a couplet of splendid resources.

The starting fourth dimension session I attended was Kris Boulton's speak on Engelmann. I saw the starting fourth dimension business office of this speak at researchED Maths too Science inward June which I wrote nearly here.  Kris continued to speak nearly Engemann's ideas, including examples of how Kris has applied these ideas to his teaching. I abide by all of this actually interesting, too it does brand me enquiry whether I purpose the most effective method of instruction.

It was interesting to view a snapshot of Kris' planning procedure for a sequence of lessons.

Thanks to @MathsWebb for this photo

I enjoyed watching videos of Kris' teaching inward action, too was pleased that he spoke nearly the agency he handled a student's negative demeanour (I don't retrieve plenty teachers speak nearly the challenges nosotros human face upwards amongst regard to demeanour management, then this was refreshing to hear). The most hitting affair Kris did inward his video was rest soundless when solving a pair of simultaneous equations on the board. I e'er speak through what I'm doing footstep past times step, too I wonder if my talking distracts students from next what I'm writing. I demand to retrieve nearly this.

At the suspension I bought a calculator! It's probable my H5N1 degree students volition endure using these side past times side twelvemonth then I'm going to start using it at 1 time to ensure I'm good practised past times side past times side September.

The 2nd session I attended was nearly mastery too was delivered past times Mark McCourt, a thoroughly entertaining too knowledgeable speaker. If you're interested inward what Mark has to country nearly mastery, read his recent weblog shipping service 1089 activity. I've heard of this activity earlier exactly non looked at it inward detail. I actually enjoyed doing the maths (even inward base of operations seven!) too tin view that this would brand a vivid lesson for students. I hope to purpose it at schoolhouse at to a greater extent than or less call for this year.

I also enjoyed the speed dating session where I picked upwards a couplet of splendid resources.

The starting fourth dimension session I attended was Kris Boulton's speak on Engelmann. I saw the starting fourth dimension business office of this speak at researchED Maths too Science inward June which I wrote nearly #MasteryFail too await out for his side past times side shipping service too.
  

Teacher grooming should endure 'here's 5 ways of communicating each of the 320 things on the curriculum' #mathsconf8

— Jo Morgan (@mathsjem) 1 Oct 2016

At dejeuner it was neat to view then many teachers enjoying the maths activities at the Tweet Up.

After dejeuner I attended a session on dependent champaign noesis past times Ed Southall. I learnt lots from this session - my favourite affair was the word discorectangle (also known every bit a stadium). I learnt nearly the etymology of the word integer (not touching / standing alone).  I also learnt the divergence betwixt an oval too an ellipse (an ellipse has 2 lines of symmetry) too lots of other lovely snippets of maths knowledge. I dear learning novel things nearly my subject. You tin download Ed's slides here.

All 3 sessions I attended were excellent.

I presented inward the finally slot of the day. My session was nearly novel higher GCSE topics. I promised that I'd part my slides then you lot tin purpose them to deliver grooming at school.

• Here is the version I presented at the conference.
• Here is the 'uncut' version which has lots of additional information. If you're presenting to your division I recommend using this 1 (split over 2 or 3 sessions).
• Here are the GCSE questions that I used every bit a starter activity.

Links tin endure constitute inward the slides themselves or inward the notes section. I hope these slides are helpful, delight allow me know if I tin clarify anything.

Thanks to @letsgetmathing for this photo

I actually enjoyed catching upwards amongst Twitter friends too coming together lots of novel people. Thanks to Mark McCourt for promoting my #christmaths16 lawsuit which you lot tin purchase tickets for here.

If you've non been to 1 of La Salle's maths conferences before, create come upwards along to Bristol on 11th March or London on 24th June. Tickets volition endure available through mathsconf.com.

Finally, thank you lot to superstar Rob Smith for running the tuck store too doing an amazing project of raising coin for charity throughout the day. Every conference should bring a tuck shop!

#Mathsconf8

I had a neat fourth dimension at #mathsconf8. Thanks to Mark McCourt too La Salle Education for organising to a greater extent than or less other fantastic lawsuit for maths teachers.

Friday night

We had a big turnout at the pre-conference drinks on Friday. It was lovely to grab upwards amongst people I've non seen inward a while. Workload was a mutual give-and-take call for - sometimes it's helpful to allow off steam nearly the challenges of the project every bit good every bit sharing the highlights.

The best business office of the even was our Pringles Enigma machine activity! When nosotros visited Bletchley Park over summertime nosotros were treated to a display of a existent Enigma machine past times Tom (@TeaKayB). At the fourth dimension Tom mentioned that it's possible to brand an Enigma machine out of a Pringles subway scheme then nosotros invited him along to #mathsconf8 drinks to present us how! Here's what I came upwards with, assisted past times @JoLocke1 (it works! We were able to decrypt a message). 

Kim (@MsKmp) didn't bring a Pringles subway scheme exactly managed to brand her Enigma machine out of a vino bottle! If you're interested inward having a become at this activity, all the instructions too materials are here.

At the pre-conference drinks I also chatted to Craig Barton. I was interested to listen that he has relaunched his website mrbartonmaths.com. For a resourceaholic similar me, this is exciting news! I'm looking forrard to exploring all the resources that Craig has pulled together. For every topic he has provided specifications, videos, worksheets, diagnostic questions, lessons, rich tasks, interactive resources too probing questions. Amazing.

Saturday

The conference was brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed my twenty-four hr catamenia too went dwelling identify feeling inspired.

The twenty-four hr catamenia kicked off amongst Mark McCourt talking us through the 1089 activity. I've heard of this activity earlier exactly non looked at it inward detail. I actually enjoyed doing the maths (even inward base of operations seven!) too tin view that this would brand a vivid lesson for students. I hope to purpose it at schoolhouse at to a greater extent than or less call for this year.

I also enjoyed the speed dating session where I picked upwards a couplet of splendid resources.

The starting fourth dimension session I attended was Kris Boulton's speak on Engelmann. I saw the starting fourth dimension business office of this speak at researchED Maths too Science inward June which I wrote nearly here.  Kris continued to speak nearly Engemann's ideas, including examples of how Kris has applied these ideas to his teaching. I abide by all of this actually interesting, too it does brand me enquiry whether I purpose the most effective method of instruction.

It was interesting to view a snapshot of Kris' planning procedure for a sequence of lessons.

Thanks to @MathsWebb for this photo

I enjoyed watching videos of Kris' teaching inward action, too was pleased that he spoke nearly the agency he handled a student's negative demeanour (I don't retrieve plenty teachers speak nearly the challenges nosotros human face upwards amongst regard to demeanour management, then this was refreshing to hear). The most hitting affair Kris did inward his video was rest soundless when solving a pair of simultaneous equations on the board. I e'er speak through what I'm doing footstep past times step, too I wonder if my talking distracts students from next what I'm writing. I demand to retrieve nearly this.

At the suspension I bought a calculator! It's probable my H5N1 degree students volition endure using these side past times side twelvemonth then I'm going to start using it at 1 time to ensure I'm good practised past times side past times side September.

The 2nd session I attended was nearly mastery too was delivered past times Mark McCourt, a thoroughly entertaining too knowledgeable speaker. If you're interested inward what Mark has to country nearly mastery, read his recent weblog shipping service 1089 activity. I've heard of this activity earlier exactly non looked at it inward detail. I actually enjoyed doing the maths (even inward base of operations seven!) too tin view that this would brand a vivid lesson for students. I hope to purpose it at schoolhouse at to a greater extent than or less call for this year.

I also enjoyed the speed dating session where I picked upwards a couplet of splendid resources.

The starting fourth dimension session I attended was Kris Boulton's speak on Engelmann. I saw the starting fourth dimension business office of this speak at researchED Maths too Science inward June which I wrote nearly #MasteryFail too await out for his side past times side shipping service too.
  

Teacher grooming should endure 'here's 5 ways of communicating each of the 320 things on the curriculum' #mathsconf8

— Jo Morgan (@mathsjem) 1 Oct 2016

At dejeuner it was neat to view then many teachers enjoying the maths activities at the Tweet Up.

After dejeuner I attended a session on dependent champaign noesis past times Ed Southall. I learnt lots from this session - my favourite affair was the word discorectangle (also known every bit a stadium). I learnt nearly the etymology of the word integer (not touching / standing alone).  I also learnt the divergence betwixt an oval too an ellipse (an ellipse has 2 lines of symmetry) too lots of other lovely snippets of maths knowledge. I dear learning novel things nearly my subject. You tin download Ed's slides here.

All 3 sessions I attended were excellent.

I presented inward the finally slot of the day. My session was nearly novel higher GCSE topics. I promised that I'd part my slides then you lot tin purpose them to deliver grooming at school.

• Here is the version I presented at the conference.
• Here is the 'uncut' version which has lots of additional information. If you're presenting to your division I recommend using this 1 (split over 2 or 3 sessions).
• Here are the GCSE questions that I used every bit a starter activity.

Links tin endure constitute inward the slides themselves or inward the notes section. I hope these slides are helpful, delight allow me know if I tin clarify anything.

Thanks to @letsgetmathing for this photo

I actually enjoyed catching upwards amongst Twitter friends too coming together lots of novel people. Thanks to Mark McCourt for promoting my #christmaths16 lawsuit which you lot tin purchase tickets for here.

If you've non been to 1 of La Salle's maths conferences before, create come upwards along to Bristol on 11th March or London on 24th June. Tickets volition endure available through mathsconf.com.

Finally, thank you lot to superstar Rob Smith for running the tuck store too doing an amazing project of raising coin for charity throughout the day. Every conference should bring a tuck shop!

Calculators For The Novel A Level

In September over 100 students at my schoolhouse volition survive starting the novel H5N1 marking course. I've been trying to discovery out just what estimator they volition postulate as well as how they tin sack acquire the best deal.

I'll tell upfront that I am most definitely not a estimator person. Some maths teachers acquire actually excited nearly calculators. I don't. I lost my lovely 20-year-old estimator final twelvemonth therefore bought the Casio 991EX ClassWiz at #mathsconf8 inward October. I've solely used it for touchstone calculations therefore far, as well as my principal thoughts are: (a) the font is weird (b) the menus are quite user-friendly as well as (c) the white illustration gets muddied quickly. That's nearly it. People who honey calculators seem to really love the ClassWiz. It has some neat features - if you're interested, this review on Amazon gives some insight into the functionality that people are getting excited about.

The ClassWiz is non the solely estimator that's suitable for the novel H5N1 marking (do banking company check out the TI-30X Pro too). But I accept a feeling that the ClassWiz volition survive the ane that most novel H5N1 marking students are told purchase inward September, which is why I'm focusing on the ClassWiz inward this post.

Around 100,000 students volition each pass over £20 on a novel estimator this September. £2,000,000 spent on calculators is a actually large deal. So earlier our students collectively attain Casio this vast amount of money, I postulate to survive sure that it's absolutely necessary.

Requirements
This extract is from MEI's website:

"Ofqual's subject-level weather as well as requirements for Mathematics as well as Further Mathematics ground that calculators used must include the next features:

• an iterative function
• the powerfulness to compute summary statistics as well as access probabilities from touchstone statistical distributions
• the powerfulness to perform calculations amongst matrices upwards to at to the lowest degree gild 3 x 3 (FM only)

For the 2017 H5N1 levels students volition require a estimator that tin sack calculate Binomial as well as Normal probabilities straight from values. The minimum touchstone for this is an advanced scientific calculator, such equally the Casio 991EX ClassWiz or the TI-30X Pro..."

Just to clarify - H5N1 marking maths students volition likely already accept a estimator from GCSE that does everything they postulate - except binomial probabilities. This is the ane matter that they volition postulate to purchase a novel estimator for.

Everything else that the ClassWiz does that electrical current calculators don't create is a 'nice to have' for the novel H5N1 marking but non essential. It does create some cool stuff, but deport inward hear that the extent to which 'nice to have' functionality is used depends heavily on whether teachers know how to utilisation the functionality themselves as well as accept plenty fourth dimension to learn it to their students. My agreement is that timing for the novel H5N1 marking is going to survive actually tight equally it is (my schoolhouse has nine hours a fortnight at H5N1 marking as well as I'm told that it likely won't survive plenty fourth dimension to acquire through the content). Given fourth dimension constraints as well as huge cast sizes, I can't run into that I'll survive spending much (if any) fourth dimension on whatever non-essential estimator skills.

We're told that in that place is forthwith a 'requirement for the utilisation of technology scientific discipline to permeate teaching as well as learning' at H5N1 level. I'm a large fan of using Desmos inward lessons - most H5N1 marking maths teachers accept been doing this for years anyway. Desmos is free, slowly to utilisation as well as plant good on students' phones. The large information laid piece of job volition likely survive done inward Excel or Geogebra therefore I jurist I'll survive booking information technology rooms for that when the fourth dimension comes (which is easier said than done!).

People who are looking to build coin from estimator sales mightiness endeavour to convince teachers that graphical calculators are a requirement for the novel H5N1 level. This is misleading. I'll stick amongst Desmos. Graphical calculators create offering some benefits to students but fifty-fifty the newest models are dated as well as unintuitive. The article "Pricey Graphing Calculators Could Be Headed for Extinction" is worth a read. In many schools this expensive equipment ends upwards sitting unused inward a closet subsequently a twelvemonth or two. However, if you're skilled at using graphical calculators as well as yous accept the fourth dimension to learn your students how to utilisation them properly, as well as therefore that's cracking - past times all way purchase them for your students (they're expensive therefore this unlikely to survive an alternative inward large schools) or inquire students to purchase ane themselves (probably solely an alternative inward private schools).

So, inward summary, for H5N1 marking maths it is essential that students purchase a novel calculator, purely for binomial probabilities, as well as the ClassWiz is a sensible pick for most students.

Where to buy
On H5N1 marking induction 24-hour interval side past times side month, I'll tell my students that they volition accept to purchase a novel estimator inward September (once they've confirmed they are definitely taking maths). I would similar them to purchase their calculators through high street retailers.

Presumably the kickoff calendar month or therefore of maths H5N1 marking volition focus on non-calculator topics that were previously inward C1, therefore Oct half-term mightiness survive a reasonable deadline for students to purchase their novel calculator.

Casio tells me that the ClassWiz volition striking retailers inward 'maybe September', but likely at a higher toll than they are currently on sale for. H5N1 chip to a greater extent than certainty on dates would survive helpful - this is all a chip besides final infinitesimal for me. I'm frustrated past times Casio's approach here. I really much promise that Casio has plenty stock to cater for huge levels of need inward September.

Casio warns to avoid buying the ClassWiz from Amazon at the 2d because 'they sell non United Kingdom of Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland of Britain as well as Northern Republic of Ireland imports'. The ClassWiz currently existence sold on Amazon for £32.50 comes amongst unusual linguistic communication instruction manuals.

Many schools are buying calculators inward mass for their teachers to use, or to sell to their students. Sources of calculators include:

• Science Studio (£22.74 including VAT addition £4.14 P&P). 
• Oxford Educational Supplies (£23.94 including VAT addition £3 P&P)

There may survive discounts for mass orders. VAT tin sack survive reclaimed if the calculators are for schoolhouse use, but non if sold to students.

I'm reluctant to purchase inward mass as well as sell to students because we've had nightmares amongst this inward the past times (does anyone desire to purchase 3 unopened boxes of build novel C2 textbooks from us? Didn't recall so). I'd rather students took responsibleness for their ain estimator purchase.

Support
Dr Frost is an absolute superstar as well as has created a bright free tool for preparation staff as well as students inward how to utilisation the ClassWiz. It's a PowerPoint guide explaining every primal as well as mode.

Casio offers an emulator, but the licence is £9.95 + VAT per twelvemonth per computer.

If yous desire your squad to survive trained on how to utilisation all the functionality on the ClassWiz, mayhap verbalize to your local Maths Hub. This sure enough seems similar something the Maths Hubs could usefully offering inward July as well as September if they accept the expertise. The FMSP is offering numerous gratuitous calculator events but these sessions focus on graphical calculators, non the ClassWiz.

Profiting...?
Calculator suppliers are non the solely companies cashing inward on the modify to H5N1 levels as well as GCSEs. Textbook publishers are benefiting too. With such express funds inward instruction - redundancies, growing cast sizes as well as leaking roofs - this is a frustrating utilisation of populace money. Curriculum modify is an expensive business.

People accept said to me that 'kids these days' don't recall twice nearly buying the latest iPhone therefore £30 for a estimator isn't a large deal. Perhaps it's non a large bargain on an private basis, but I'm looking at the bigger moving painting - over £2 million. That's a large deal.

Dates For The Diary

2015 has been the almost eventful twelvemonth of my teaching career to date. I returned to piece of job from motherhood exit inwards Jan as well as took on a Lead Practitioner move at a novel schoolhouse vi months later. I continued to last a busy blogger as well as tweeter throughout the twelvemonth as well as was chuffed that my efforts were recognised at the United Kingdom of Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland Blog Awards inwards April. During 2015 I attended numerous teaching events including maths conferences, TeachMeets, debates as well as my real ain Christmaths party. Although it's tempting to write a long as well as rambling reflection of all the events of the year, instead I've decided to await at what 2016 has to offer. There's loads going on inwards the twelvemonth ahead as well as this post lists a few highlights. Full listings tin laissez passer the sack last constitute here.

January
Back to schoolhouse as well as the chaos starts all over again. If your schoolhouse is form plenty to allow you lot out for a day, I reckon La Salle's National Maths Education Symposium on Th 21st Jan is worth a look. The programme is excellent.

I'm incredibly jealous of anyone who is able to attend the adjacent Peterborough Maths Network event. They've solely managed to describe of piece of job upwards the almost awesome mortal inwards the maths teaching - Don Steward! This lawsuit takes house after schoolhouse on 19th Jan as well as you'd last foolish to fille it.

It's also my birthday on sixth January... simply saying.

February

It's a outflow year! Did you lot run into this tweet from Matt Parker? I ♥ numbers.

Sure, 2016 is non divisible yesteryear five similar 2015, but it is divisible yesteryear EVERY OTHER SINGLE-DIGIT NUMBER. quaternary fourth dimension ever. Max possible until 2520.

— Matt Parker (@standupmaths) December 27, 2015

March as well as April
Have you lot noticed how curt the Spring Term is? Easter falls early on inwards 2016. As a upshot there's an awful lot going on during March.

The write-up of the final conference to larn an persuasion of what goes on.

I'm also actually looking forwards to Julia Smith's (@tessmaths) Easter Maths Camp which is on 28th as well as 29th March in sunny St Osyth, Essex. There's all sorts of lovely activities lined upwards - contact Julia if you lot desire to larn involved.

As always, the ATM as well as MA are belongings their conferences over the Easter holidays. The ATM's Easter Conference 2016 is inwards Warwick from Tuesday 29th March to Fri 1st Apr as well as the MA Annual Conference 2016 takes house inwards Oxford from Fri 1st Apr to Lord's Day tertiary April. Both get got fantabulous programmes. Hopefully when my children are older I'll last able to attend i of these residential conferences.

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 distich of weeks into the Summer Term is my write-up here) as well as therefore if you lot larn the adventure to go, I actually recommend it.

July as well as August
I'll last presenting on Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 degree resources at the annual FMSP Key Stage five Teachers Conference inwards London on eighth July - details to follow.

Tom Bennison (@DrBennison) is organising an East Midlands KS5 Mathematics Conference on ninth August at the University of Nottingham. With the upcoming implementation of new Key Stage five specifications, Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 degree CPD is going to accept centre phase over the adjacent 2 years. Tom is planning what sounds similar an fantabulous lawsuit - I volition part details when they are announced.

September to December
#mathsconf8 takes house inwards Manchester on 1st Oct - it's a fleck of a trek for me but I wouldn't fille it!

I'm certain there'll last lots to a greater extent than Autumn Term events announced closer to the time. Maybe fifty-fifty a #christmaths16... And (fingers crossed) I actually promise to organise something when the novel maths gallery opens at the Science Museum. Watch this space.

Quick - larn these dates inwards your diary now!

Throughout the twelvemonth there's loads of fantastic local events organised yesteryear bodies such equally the Further Maths Support Programme as well as the Maths Hubs. I haven't listed everything here, but there's ever plenty going on for maths teachers as well as therefore create honor out what's happening inwards your area.

I await forwards to seeing you lot at an lawsuit inwards 2016.

Happy New Year!

Highlights Of 2016

2016 has been genuinely awful... The best means to learn by with as well as thus many terrible things happening inward i yr is to focus on the positives. In the footing of maths education, there's been loads of fantastic materials going on. Although nosotros overstep along to confront challenges relating to workload, behaviour, curriculum alter as well as recruitment, there's nevertheless enough to celebrate. In this post service I portion unopen to of my favourite moments of 2016.

The Conferences
La Salle's conferences are e'er brilliant. I was gutted to immature adult woman their Leeds conference inward June but I actually enjoyed the Peterborough conference inward March as well as the Kettering conference inward October. La Salle are hosting fifty-fifty to a greater extent than conferences inward 2017 (check out their dates as well as locations here) as well as thus if you lot haven't been before, produce bring together us.

Pre-conference drinks inward Peterborough inward March

Teachers enjoying #mathsconf6 inward Peterborough

Cake from Julia Smith at #mathsconf6
to celebrate my 50th gems post

Pre-conference drinks inward Kettering
- nosotros made Enigma machines!  

Rob Smith's tuck store at #mathsconf8 inward Kettering

The starting fourth dimension researchED Maths as well as Science was held inward Oxford inward June 2016. It was excellent. I actually promise to regard this trial render inward 2017.

A wonderful venue for researchED Maths as well as Science

Maths teachers come across for dejeuner at researchED Maths as well as Science

In 2016 I attended a issue of conferences equally a presenter, including Edexcel's Warwick conference, the FMSP's London KS5 Network Day, as well as Coast2Coast TSA's maths conference.

Peter Mattock as well as I presenting at
Coast2Coast TSA's maths conference

Meeting my maths hero Hannah Fry at
Edexcel's Warwick conference

The Social Events
I actually relish coming together upwardly with maths teachers who I've chatted to on Twitter. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 highlight this yr was our trip to Bletchley Park inward the summertime holidays. We were as well as thus lucky to hold upwardly treated to a tour of the grounds as well as a someone demonstration of an Enigma machine.

Summer solar daytime out at Bletchey Park with beau tweeters

Some of #teambletchley

La Salle organised their 2d summertime come across upwardly for maths teachers - Pie as well as Maths.

Summer drinks at #pieandmaths

I had a lovely fourth dimension at i of Old Andrew's blogger curries.

Out for drinks with edubloggers, organised past times
blogging legend Andrew Old

In Dec I hosted #christmaths16. 110 teachers got together for festive mathsy fun at the Science Museum followed past times a nighttime out at a Kensington pub.

Post-museum drinks at #christmaths16

Maths teachers enjoying #christmaths16

The Grassroots Events
This yr I've attended a issue of events at local schools. I presented at Maths inward the Sticks which was an Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 flat solar daytime run past times Stuart Price, as well as I presented at Paul Collins' MathsMeet at Oakwood School. I also travelled upwardly to Oldham to acquaint at Lindsey Bennett's LIME event. I hosted my ain trial also - MathsMeet Glyn took house on a Sabbatum morning time inward March as well as starred i of my maths heroes, Don Steward.

Paul Collins at Oakwood School's MathsMeet

Ben Sparks presenting at Stuart Price's 'Maths inward the Sticks' Event

With colleagues at dejeuner subsequently #mathsmeetglyn

With Don Steward
at #mathsmeetglyn

The Websites as well as Resources
During 2016 the footing of maths resources went from line to strength.

Clarissa Grandi's artfulmaths.com is a beautiful novel website, providing inspiration as well as resources for both classroom displays as well as creative maths lessons.

New website mrcartermaths.com is highly valued for its repose of use. Excellent websites such equally mrbartonmaths.com, corbettmaths.com and mathsbot.com accept continued to develop novel content.

For Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 flat teachers, undergroundmathematics.org arrived on the scene, providing high character rich tasks from the squad at the University of Cambridge. We also discovered the IYGB papers on madasmaths.com, providing a large banking firm of challenging examination manner papers for Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 flat students.

The prime game from Christian Lawson-Perfect provided hours of amusement - as well as tearing contest - with maths teachers.

Throughout 2016 maths hubs all over the province supported teachers inward both main as well as secondary schools. The White Rose Maths Hub shared splendid schemes of operate as well as assessment resources for Key Stages 1, 2 as well as 3.

Craig Barton's podcasts were a wonderful characteristic of 2016 - if you've non discovered these yet, they are good worth a listen. Look out for to a greater extent than of Craig's podcasts inward 2017.

The Networks
Since joining Twitter inward 2014, my career has been transformed. Its incredible network of teachers continues to provide an endless render of support, advice, resources, ideas as well as encouragement. During 2016 I was fortunate to overstep involved with both the AQA Maths Expert Panel as well as the TES Maths Panel too.

Some of the AQA Maths Expert Panel members
sporting Christmas jumpers at our Dec meeting

School

I can't verbalise well-nigh my 2016 maths didactics highlights without mentioning my wonderful schoolhouse as well as my awesome colleagues. They're a existent pleasance to operate with.

Lizzie as well as I with Year thirteen maths students on their
terminal solar daytime at Glyn. They don't usually aspect as well as thus scruffy!

Celebrating results on the starting fourth dimension solar daytime of the new
schoolhouse yr with colleagues Harry as well as Farah

With trainee instructor Sarah
at Glyn's staff Christmas party

With colleague Rachel at Glyn's
 staff Christmas dinner

Joint Heads of Maths Christina
as well as Catherine, with NQT Amelia 

Looking Ahead
2017 brings the starting fourth dimension sitting of maths GCSE ix - 1. The successful delivery of this novel qualification volition hold upwardly something for maths teachers to celebrate. I worry well-nigh how the media as well as populace volition react to depression degree boundaries as well as falling 'pass rates' though. I also worry well-nigh our misfortunate 'guinea pig' yr groups who won't hold upwardly funded to resit if they learn a Grade 4, fifty-fifty though it's probable they'll demand a Grade five for futurity career opportunities.

2017 also brings the start of the novel linear maths Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 level. Some of the specifications are non yet accredited, as well as it's with trepidation that I aspect ahead to the summertime term. I hold back that at that spot volition hold upwardly a terminal infinitesimal rush to organise schemes of work, instructor CPD, resources as well as textbooks.

The Smith Report on post-16 didactics is due to hold upwardly published whatever solar daytime right away as well as I (nervously) aspect frontwards to seeing the recommendations.

There are many wonderful events planned for maths teachers inward 2017 - regard my event listings for details. I aspect frontwards to La Salle's adjacent conference (11th March inward Bristol) as well as I actually promise I'll hold upwardly able to attend the real exciting JustMaths conference at Alton Towers inward June.

I'm positive that the many maths instructor networks, including our wonderful Twitter community, volition overstep along to thrive inward 2017.

We accept a lot to aspect frontwards to.

Happy New Year, maths teachers!

Calculators For The Novel A Level

In September over 100 students at my schoolhouse volition survive starting the novel H5N1 marking course. I've been trying to discovery out just what estimator they volition postulate as well as how they tin sack acquire the best deal.

I'll tell upfront that I am most definitely not a estimator person. Some maths teachers acquire actually excited nearly calculators. I don't. I lost my lovely 20-year-old estimator final twelvemonth therefore bought the Casio 991EX ClassWiz at #mathsconf8 inward October. I've solely used it for touchstone calculations therefore far, as well as my principal thoughts are: (a) the font is weird (b) the menus are quite user-friendly as well as (c) the white illustration gets muddied quickly. That's nearly it. People who honey calculators seem to really love the ClassWiz. It has some neat features - if you're interested, this review on Amazon gives some insight into the functionality that people are getting excited about.

The ClassWiz is non the solely estimator that's suitable for the novel H5N1 marking (do banking company check out the TI-30X Pro too). But I accept a feeling that the ClassWiz volition survive the ane that most novel H5N1 marking students are told purchase inward September, which is why I'm focusing on the ClassWiz inward this post.

Around 100,000 students volition each pass over £20 on a novel estimator this September. £2,000,000 spent on calculators is a actually large deal. So earlier our students collectively attain Casio this vast amount of money, I postulate to survive sure that it's absolutely necessary.

Requirements
This extract is from MEI's website:

"Ofqual's subject-level weather as well as requirements for Mathematics as well as Further Mathematics ground that calculators used must include the next features:

• an iterative function
• the powerfulness to compute summary statistics as well as access probabilities from touchstone statistical distributions
• the powerfulness to perform calculations amongst matrices upwards to at to the lowest degree gild 3 x 3 (FM only)

For the 2017 H5N1 levels students volition require a estimator that tin sack calculate Binomial as well as Normal probabilities straight from values. The minimum touchstone for this is an advanced scientific calculator, such equally the Casio 991EX ClassWiz or the TI-30X Pro..."

Just to clarify - H5N1 marking maths students volition likely already accept a estimator from GCSE that does everything they postulate - except binomial probabilities. This is the ane matter that they volition postulate to purchase a novel estimator for.

Everything else that the ClassWiz does that electrical current calculators don't create is a 'nice to have' for the novel H5N1 marking but non essential. It does create some cool stuff, but deport inward hear that the extent to which 'nice to have' functionality is used depends heavily on whether teachers know how to utilisation the functionality themselves as well as accept plenty fourth dimension to learn it to their students. My agreement is that timing for the novel H5N1 marking is going to survive actually tight equally it is (my schoolhouse has nine hours a fortnight at H5N1 marking as well as I'm told that it likely won't survive plenty fourth dimension to acquire through the content). Given fourth dimension constraints as well as huge cast sizes, I can't run into that I'll survive spending much (if any) fourth dimension on whatever non-essential estimator skills.

We're told that in that place is forthwith a 'requirement for the utilisation of technology scientific discipline to permeate teaching as well as learning' at H5N1 level. I'm a large fan of using Desmos inward lessons - most H5N1 marking maths teachers accept been doing this for years anyway. Desmos is free, slowly to utilisation as well as plant good on students' phones. The large information laid piece of job volition likely survive done inward Excel or Geogebra therefore I jurist I'll survive booking information technology rooms for that when the fourth dimension comes (which is easier said than done!).

People who are looking to build coin from estimator sales mightiness endeavour to convince teachers that graphical calculators are a requirement for the novel H5N1 level. This is misleading. I'll stick amongst Desmos. Graphical calculators create offering some benefits to students but fifty-fifty the newest models are dated as well as unintuitive. The article "Pricey Graphing Calculators Could Be Headed for Extinction" is worth a read. In many schools this expensive equipment ends upwards sitting unused inward a closet subsequently a twelvemonth or two. However, if you're skilled at using graphical calculators as well as yous accept the fourth dimension to learn your students how to utilisation them properly, as well as therefore that's cracking - past times all way purchase them for your students (they're expensive therefore this unlikely to survive an alternative inward large schools) or inquire students to purchase ane themselves (probably solely an alternative inward private schools).

So, inward summary, for H5N1 marking maths it is essential that students purchase a novel calculator, purely for binomial probabilities, as well as the ClassWiz is a sensible pick for most students.

Where to buy
On H5N1 marking induction 24-hour interval side past times side month, I'll tell my students that they volition accept to purchase a novel estimator inward September (once they've confirmed they are definitely taking maths). I would similar them to purchase their calculators through high street retailers.

Presumably the kickoff calendar month or therefore of maths H5N1 marking volition focus on non-calculator topics that were previously inward C1, therefore Oct half-term mightiness survive a reasonable deadline for students to purchase their novel calculator.

Casio tells me that the ClassWiz volition striking retailers inward 'maybe September', but likely at a higher toll than they are currently on sale for. H5N1 chip to a greater extent than certainty on dates would survive helpful - this is all a chip besides final infinitesimal for me. I'm frustrated past times Casio's approach here. I really much promise that Casio has plenty stock to cater for huge levels of need inward September.

Casio warns to avoid buying the ClassWiz from Amazon at the 2d because 'they sell non United Kingdom of Great Britain as well as Northern Ireland of Britain as well as Northern Republic of Ireland imports'. The ClassWiz currently existence sold on Amazon for £32.50 comes amongst unusual linguistic communication instruction manuals.

Many schools are buying calculators inward mass for their teachers to use, or to sell to their students. Sources of calculators include:

• Science Studio (£22.74 including VAT addition £4.14 P&P). 
• Oxford Educational Supplies (£23.94 including VAT addition £3 P&P)

There may survive discounts for mass orders. VAT tin sack survive reclaimed if the calculators are for schoolhouse use, but non if sold to students.

I'm reluctant to purchase inward mass as well as sell to students because we've had nightmares amongst this inward the past times (does anyone desire to purchase 3 unopened boxes of build novel C2 textbooks from us? Didn't recall so). I'd rather students took responsibleness for their ain estimator purchase.

Support
Dr Frost is an absolute superstar as well as has created a bright free tool for preparation staff as well as students inward how to utilisation the ClassWiz. It's a PowerPoint guide explaining every primal as well as mode.

Casio offers an emulator, but the licence is £9.95 + VAT per twelvemonth per computer.

If yous desire your squad to survive trained on how to utilisation all the functionality on the ClassWiz, mayhap verbalize to your local Maths Hub. This sure enough seems similar something the Maths Hubs could usefully offering inward July as well as September if they accept the expertise. The FMSP is offering numerous gratuitous calculator events but these sessions focus on graphical calculators, non the ClassWiz.

Profiting...?
Calculator suppliers are non the solely companies cashing inward on the modify to H5N1 levels as well as GCSEs. Textbook publishers are benefiting too. With such express funds inward instruction - redundancies, growing cast sizes as well as leaking roofs - this is a frustrating utilisation of populace money. Curriculum modify is an expensive business.

People accept said to me that 'kids these days' don't recall twice nearly buying the latest iPhone therefore £30 for a estimator isn't a large deal. Perhaps it's non a large bargain on an private basis, but I'm looking at the bigger moving painting - over £2 million. That's a large deal.

5 Maths Gems #64

I haven't written a gems post service inwards a long time! I've been likewise busy at work. So I've got a big listing of resources in addition to ideas from Twitter, plenty to hit amount 3 or 4 posts. Let's brand a start...

1. New GCSE Resources
Teaching novel GCSE? Edexcel direct keep come upwards to our rescue yesteryear launching a gear upwards of resources for novel GCSE topics. There's loads of useful stuff hither including worked examples, exercises alongside answers, in addition to extension material. Sixteen topics are covered include functions, iteration, Venn diagrams in addition to geometric progressions.

Extract from 'N15 Bounds (Foundation in addition to Higher)'

2. Fractions Task

Thanks to @MaxTheMaths for sharing this lovely fractions task. This is taken from Buzzard Publishing's Arithmekit Bundle (@BuzzardPublish). Check out CanDoMaths.org for to a greater extent than resources similar this.

3. MathsFrame

It's been a long fourth dimension since I concluding taught Year 7. Now I've got a depression attaining Year vii cast I'm going to start adding lots of novel resources to my resource libraries (for representative I've of late added house value in addition to addition). With my Year vii cast inwards mind, resources from mathsframe.co.uk (@Mathsframe) direct keep caught my eye. There's over 200 gratuitous resources hither - they're aimed at head schools exactly secondary teachers may honor them useful too.

Extract from Year half dozen fractions assessment

4. Inspect the Spec

Craig Barton has been writing a swell gear upwards of 'Inspect the Spec' posts on TES. If you're didactics novel GCSE, you'll honor these posts helpful. They comprise data near what's inwards the GCSE specification (what's changed in addition to what's the same) along alongside recommendations of TES resources. 

5. Number Line
Megan Guinan (@MeganGuinan1) start tweeted near this tool ages ago, exactly it's taken me a piece to honor a exercise for it. I of late used the zoomable issue line from mathsisfun.com to assistance explicate decimal house value to my Year 7s. Now I realise it volition move useful for quite a few topics. My Year 7s were 'wowed' yesteryear it in addition to asked me to drib dead on zooming inwards (forever!). Then they realised it could also zoom out to present actually big numbers. It's ever swell to encounter kids getting excited yesteryear numbers!

Update
In representative yous missed them, hither are my most recent posts:

• #mathsconf8
• Going Well...
• #christmaths16
• The Deadly Sins of Maths

I've straight off sold one-half the tickets for #christmaths16. There's however threescore tickets left exactly comport inwards hear that the start threescore tickets sold inwards alone nine days in addition to hence I recommend that yous majority straight off in addition to hence yous don't immature lady out! Visit christmaths.co.uk for to a greater extent than information.

I'll move out yous alongside this lovely film from an quondam maths textbook. Thanks to @john_overholt for sharing this.

The XXth Century Arithmetic published inwards 1903