On Tuesday 27th June 2023, 136 mathematics colleagues from across the region gathered for Archimedes NE Maths Hub’s summer Conference. With several highly respected speakers, including Ofsted’s Steve Wren and Dr Debbie Morgan from the NCETM, interspaced around the core part of the day, two live lessons, one primary and one secondary, delivered by local teachers to their classes and rooted in the Teaching for Mastery Research Group (TRG) model, delegates were treated to a master class of mathematical experiences. Primary teaching for mastery specialist, Sarah Coates taught her Year 6 pupils from St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, a ratio lesson, taken from the NCETM spine materials and simultaneously, secondary colleagues were treated to a lesson on probability by secondary mastery specialist Emma Brooksbank and her pupils from St Peter’s Catholic College, part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust. Secondary colleagues also had the opportunity to attend a workshop by Tom Manners, Specialist Leader in Education, entitled “How to make problem-solving less problematic.”
Rose-Marie Rochester, Archimedes NE Maths Hub Lead had this to say about the event: “Our live lessons showed exactly what we are about as a maths hub, with our pupils at the heart of what we do. Our exceptionally skilled mastery specialists and their carefully crafted lessons have ensured colleagues have come away knowing not just what teaching for mastery is but what it looks like in the classroom. Our teachers did a marvellous job at showcasing our work but not without the engagement and courage of our young people being observed by so many.
Steve Wren as ever, provided colleagues with reassurance and suggested focusing on the mathematics and what is going on in classrooms is the best preparation for inspections. Debbie Morgan’s focus on greater depth has helped teachers and leaders realise that teaching for mastery is for all.”
