Do a bit of maths...go on...
In each new edition of the ATM eNews we invite you to do a little bit of maths. If you want to take it away and use it in the classroom - even better. Adapt, adopt and be adept!
Walk and Ride
A group of 10 students are on a field trip when their bus breaks down 40 miles away from the school. A teacher takes 5 of them back to school in her car, travelling at an average speed of 40 miles per hour.
The other 5 students start walking towards school at a steady 4 miles per hour.
The teacher drops the 5 at school, then immediately turns around and comes back for the others, again travelling at a steady speed of 40 miles per hour. How far have the students walked by the time the car reaches them?
Maths courtesy of NRICH
NEW: Ideas for Sixth Form Mathematics
The book includes a wealth of innovative lesson ideas for important areas of post-16 mathematics teaching - bringing variety to the Pure Mathematics and Statistics curriculum areas within AS/A2 mathematics.
The material is arranged by topic and enables teachers to move away from an over-emphasis on routine textbook based work.
Hints and suggestions are included to make it clear where the ideas lead as well as additional suggestions for extension. This innovative book is a must for every teacher of 6th form mathematics.
Recent government announcements
Following recent announcements from the Government members may be interested in the following documents. These cover the recently announced report from the Expert Panel who are reviewing the National Curriculum and the changes to GCSE announced by Ofqual.
Neither document has been accompanied by a request for responses. The ATM continues to be engaged with the ACME in informing the Government of the communities' views.
Gove's statement to the House of Commons
Comparisons with other jurisdictions
One page summary of report (not official)
Frequently asked questions on the changes to GCSEs in England
Ofqual confirms changes to GCSEs
GCSE Subject Criteria for Mathematics
NC Review - Report on Call for Evidence
This report summarises the response to the call for evidence for the National Curriculum review for England. The call for evidence was open from 20 January to 14 April 2011, during which time 5763 responses were submitted. The ATM contribution is acknowledged in the report (p18) along with other subject associations.
Vision for maths education 5–19
The Royal Society has launched a new project which will be aiming to produce a vision for the future of science and mathematics education 5-19.
This project aims to produce a vision for the future of science and mathematics education 5-19.
A Call for Views is now open and we would welcome responses by Fri 16 Mar 2012.
The project is led by a Committee which includes two previous Secretaries of State for Education, two scientist-media stars and a Nobel Prize-winning academic, and leading teachers and educationalists. Sir Martin Taylor FRS, Warden of Merton College, Oxford, is chair of the Vision Committee.
Areas of inquiry
The project has identified and will focus on five specific areas that are seen as essential components of a high-performing school and college science and mathematics education system:
- Teachers (and the wider workforce)
- Leadership and ethos
- Infrastructure
- Skills, curriculum and assessment
- Accountability
More information on the Royal Society website
The Royal Society is also commissioning studies. Enquiries and information email; vision@royalsociety.org
ATM Conference 2012 • Enigmas
ATM has been involved in the business of the professional development of mathematics educators for over fifty years. The Easter Conference is the annual highlight of ATM’s programme of professional development events.
Enigma: “A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand” — Google Dictionary
There are many things which are puzzling in mathematics education and the ATM conference is a great place to explore them.
Mon 02 — Thu 05 Apr 2012
This year we return to Swansea where you can meet friends old and new, try out new ideas, solve problems on the beach and remember why you love mathematics. We will be reviving some old ideas and trying out new ones. There will be everything from shorter “have a go” sessions to longer sessions for those who want to get to grips with an issue.
If this is your first conference, don’t worry, everyone is welcome and their contribution is valued. After a few hours the only mystery will be why you haven’t been before.
You can take in the sea air as well as attend some of the fantastic assortment of sessions and seminars on offer this time.
Booking Your Professional Development Conference Place
- Book a conference place
- Browse the list of CPD sessions
- Read more about the ATM Conference 2012
- Download booking form and programme
You can make your booking online and still have it invoiced to your school or institution by clicking that option on the final checkout page (instead of ‘Pay Now’).
Telephone 01332 346599 or email the office to get a booking form sent in the post.
We Can Work It Out 2
A further collection of collaborative problem solving activities for the mathematics classroom. The new book contains 20 puzzles featuring everyday situations which promote mathematical thinking.
The original We Can Work it Out is an ATM best selling publication, so Book 2 is a must for all Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 mathematics classrooms.
Brian Adams: “I use this resource with my year 5 class regularly. I put them into teams to solve the problems it promotes lots of speaking and listening and the kids love it.”
We Can Work It Out 2: Available in hard copy or as an instant PDF download
Members Price: £15.00
Non-members £20.00
The original We Can Work It Out - now in PDF
This book contains 25 sets of group problem-solving cards. Each set of cards contains the clues needed to solve a problem as well as some ‘red herrings’. It is intended they should be shared out between a small group of children who have to share their clues verbally and solve the problem together. This method of working allows a match with speaking and listening and thus fulfils some of the requirements of literacy across the curriculum.
The cards are written specifically for children operating at levels 4 and 5 of the English National Curriculum and as such will meet the needs of children from both primary and early secondary phases of education. The pack is fully photocopiable.
Now available in PDF format as well as hard copy.
Members Price: £15.00
Non-members £20.00
Other News and Events
You can catch up with all the other ATM News, the ATM Noticeboard, the Events Calendar, the latest in the ATM Forum and much more...here: