Exam boards often note that, when students come to GCSE examinations, AO2 and AO3 are frequently poorly addressed. This Work Group is designed to meet teachers’ needs in that it offers both practical and theoretical elements to support the development of students’ mathematical thinking, whilst offering a manageable structure for collaborative CPD.

There is a focus on practical strategies to support teachers in developing Mathematical Thinking as it relates to problem-solving and reasoning. Using practical task types, participants explore what is meant by Mathematical Thinking and what this looks like in the classroom for students at all attainment levels.

Mathematical Thinking is one of the Five Big Ideas for teaching for mastery and this Work Group gives further opportunity for teachers to explore and embed this element of teaching for mastery in secondary schools.

Who is it for?

This Work Group offers an entry point for departments into developing teaching for mastery approaches, or could support a department already involved in the Teaching for Mastery Programme who wish to focus on developing this particular element of teaching for mastery.

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.

What are the intended outcomes?

Pupil outcomes

Pupils will develop a range of strategies to allow them to get started on, and to think their way through, unfamiliar mathematical problems.

Departmental policies and approaches

• Departments will collaboratively develop a range of common task types to give opportunities for students to think mathematically
• Departments will collaboratively develop pedagogy and ways of using common task types to give opportunities for students to think mathematically.

Practice development

• Participants will reflect on pedagogical approaches that best take advantage of the opportunities for mathematical thinking offered by the task types
• Participants will be equipped to develop some strategies and approaches to support mathematical thinking within their department.

Professional learning

• Participants will develop their understanding of the role of reasoning and problem-solving in the curriculum
• Participants will develop an effective repertoire of task types that give opportunities for mathematical thinking.

What will it involve?

The Work Group is structured around four Work Group meetings with school-based tasks for participants to complete and reflect upon between each meeting. 

What is the cost?

Free