English & Maths Fest! 2015: Workshop choices
For each of the three workshop sessions below, please indicate your 1st and 2nd preferences
in the right-hand column. We will endeavour to meet everyone’s first choices, subject to
maximum numbers in each workshop.
Below this, please also indicate if you have any dietary and /or access requirements.
Please return this form to Julie Chamberlain, J.chamberlain@warwick.ac.uk as soon as
possible.
Workshop session 1 (11:30 to 12:30)
A. Developing mathematical resilience
(Sue Johnston-Wilder, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Warwick)
Whenever you are required to teach maths to learners, there will be some in the group who
have had very unhelpful prior experiences; some will be terrified, some avoidant, and some just
pessimistic. We suggest these learners will make significantly more progress if their acquired
emotional barriers to maths are addressed explicitly at the beginning of the course. We have
repeated experience of unlocking progress for learners by focusing on what it takes to develop
mathematical resilience. This is about being motivated by a growth mindset and inclusion and
becoming more adventurous, whilst having the support of a learning community when things
get tough, and personal agency to stay safe when overwhelmed.
B. Level 3 Core Maths - lessons from an early adopter
(Martin Newton, Head of Mathematics, Stoke-on-Trent College)
Core Maths Level 3 is a new qualification; Stoke College are early adopters of Core
Maths. Martin Newton has headed this new initiative at Stoke, worked with Buxton and Leek
College and been supported by the Core Maths Support Programme. Martin will share
experiences and resources including an ‘Apprentice’ project written by learners, finance, tax,
modelling and Fermi estimation. Core Maths is very much about real world maths and is
suitable for learners who want to carry on with maths but not at A Level. You will get chance to
try and take away some of the resources.
C.
Technologies that engage and enhance learning
(Sara Hattersley, E-learning manager, Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of Warwick)
Technology-enhanced learning can be a powerful tool for engagement. This workshop, run by
Sara Hattersley, E-learning Manager at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of Warwick,
explores a range of approaches and freely-available tools which are easy to use in the
classroom and for distance study/homework, many of which learners can access on their own
devices. The workshop will not just explore the potential of technology to engage and sustain
learners, but the place of these tools in curriculum design, assessment and collaborative
learning. There will be opportunities to try out a number of tools in the workshop – bring your
own device!
D. “The Importance of Knowing Ernest" - building your GCSE scheme of work on your learners'
individual needs.
(Sue Lownsbrough, Regional English Specialist with HUDCETT)
This workshop will look at the traditional use of initial and diagnostic assessment but also
finding out about what learners bring including their study programme, career aspirations,
interests and values. This, together with their views of what they need to know, matched to our
knowledge of the skills they will develop on the GCSE course, will then inform the skeleton
scheme of work.
Workshop session 2 (13:30 to 14:30)
E. New GCSE maths qualifications - structure, content and implications
(Eddie Wilde, Head of Mathematics, OCR)
Revised GCSE content and assessment is being introduced from September for first examination
in summer 2017. This workshop will provide an overview of the changes, and allow participants
to discuss the implications. There will also be opportunities to look at sample questions and try
out approaches that exemplify the increased emphasis on reasoning and problem solving.
F. Geogebra Masterclass
(Ben Washbrook, Mathematics lecturer, Birmingham Metropolitan College)
Geogebra is an interactive geometry, algebra and statistics app which can be used at all levels –
from primary to university level – and is available free to access or download from the Internet
on PCs, laptops and tablets. Ben Washbrook has been using it for several years in his maths
teaching at Birmingham Metropolitan College, and will be sharing his ideas in a practical session
on how to make the most of this powerful tool in GCSE teaching and beyond.
G. Critical Language Awareness (CLA)
(Anne Schofield, Assistant Manager ITT at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of
Warwick)
Leaners are not always able to recognise that texts have ‘deeper’ meanings: to control, to
influence etc. This session, run by, has been designed to support teachers in raising their
learners’ awareness of the use of language through CLA. With practice, learners can become
empowered by analysing texts and reading critically. This technique is also appropriate for those
teaching GCSE. You will receive a ‘worked’ copy of a text which should give practical ideas to
adapt for use with your own learners.
H. E1-L2 English Teaching – identifying gaps in knowledge and skills – signposts to support.
(Sue Salter, Sector Specialist for English and Maths, OCR)
This workshop will focus on why reading and spelling skills are important and will signpost tutors
to support materials that will deepen their understanding and confidence in teaching these
skills.
Workshop session 3 (14:40 to 15:40)
J.
Making algebra accessible
(Steve Pardoe, Regional Maths Specialist, WMCETT)
What’s the point in algebra? Most learners simply don’t get algebra, and frequently disengage
from a subject which is core to GCSE maths. This workshop will explore ways that algebra can be
introduced to learners to increase their understanding of what it’s about, the basic concepts
involved, and how algebra is used in vocational areas and beyond.
K. Promoting maths & English across the organisation
(Martin Newton & team, Stoke-on-Trent College)
With English and maths taking centre stage in FE, and all sectors, it is crucial that English and
maths are promoted across your organisation. Martin Newton, Natacha Shakil, Nora Breen and
Mark Walsh share their experiences of the recent Real Maths Fest that they hosted at Stoke
College, including an on line maths lesson and other initiatives to stimulate English and maths
. In this session you will investigate and share, with colleagues, ways of promoting English and
maths and should go away with ideas and a blueprint of what to do when you get back to the
ranch!
L. The three things that make the biggest difference: making English even more interesting.
(Catriona Mowat, Regional English Specialist, WMCETT)
Examiners tell us the three ingredients to include that make the biggest difference to the recipe
for student writing. This workshop will explore these and include ways to make grammar
interesting. Not just for GCSE!
Dietary or access needs (Please indicate as appropriate)
Other additional needs or relevant information – please give details here