The Maths Association Re-InvigoratorAuthor(s): Rachael ReadSource: Mathematics in School, Vol. 36, No. 5 (Nov., 2007), p. 20Published by: The Mathematical AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/30216071 .

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THE MATHS ASSOCIATION RE-INVIGORATOR

by Rachael Read

"Inspectors to the left of me, heroes to the right, there I was sat in the middle of Keele."

Let me explain! During the last week of the Easter break I was lucky enough to attend what can only be described as one of the most enlivening conferences/PD sessions that I could have imagined.

The MA conference this year was held at Keele University, a beautiful place set in surprisingly peaceful surroundings. There was also an added bonus of superb food and accommodation.

The joys of the MA conference are clear to those who attend. Nowhere else do you get such a range and enthusiastic bunch of educators of mathematics. University doctors, primary PGCE students and established secondary teachers attend, to mention but a few. The variety of delegates and workshops is immense.

Steve Abbott began the conference with an interesting and eye-opening lecture. Date-matching extracts was not my speciality and I was unable to identify the comment from 1902 that "for some time to come, the practice of the country is not unlikely to allow examinations to retain at least a partial domination over teaching in schools...if the teaching is to be improved, it seems a preliminary requisite that examinations should be modified...". I was enthused by his call for variety in lessons, exploration, challenge and reflection for all - pupils and teachers.

Of the 60 or so workshops, plus additional evening sessions and extra speakers from varying organizations, I hardly had time to peruse the publishers' exhibition. However, I still managed to purchase a variety of fantastic books and an array of stunning chaos badges to give out as prizes.

My choice of workshops was as varied as they come. To begin I learnt how to square Pascal's triangle (well the matrix of its values) and find its inverse. I was once again the student trying to keep up with the presenter who made it all seem so easy! Jennie Golding achieved her aim of Activate! Activate! We were running around the room finding our numerical partners, taking part in an aerobic graph session, using jelly babies and spaghetti to solve 3D trig and Pythagoras questions, and of course producing some memorable sketches about constructions.

I met an array of mathematical problems for able pupils with the introduction of Tony Gardiner's new books. As ever I came away with a multitude of ideas, ways to use the resource, and the intention to buy a class set before the year is out. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Creative Use of Odd Moments" by Doug French, as ever enthused to go away and show pupils something quite incredible. Amongst these were the puzzle of how many pages in today's Guardian, double Mobius strips and beyond to infinite lines of hidden cubes.

Yet still more. I was filled with ideas and energy during two sessions run by maths staff from South Hunsley School. The first looking at ways to develop enthusiasm and participation in low ability KS4 sets through an innovative scheme of work that is topic-based. This was accompanied by a huge variety of activities that we tried out and were given copies of. The second on an amazing collection of

20 Mathematics in School, November 2007 The MA web site www.m-a.org.uk

Excel workbooks - I have used them with a class today - that are available online (free!).

I even embarked upon my own session. As a relatively new attendee (this was my second conference) my nerves were racing. However, as usual, the friendliness and interest of those who attended soon calmed me down. We looked at ways of creating engagement using activities that I have been developing through my work as a Gatsby research teacher.

Bob Sawyer, Head of All Saints' Catholic High School, gave an enthralling presentation. We were introduced not only to a range of activities - holes, polar bears and fish being my favourite - but also a new term 'plug teaching'. He certainly gave me some ideas to develop.

Doug French's presidential address was no exception. Looking at characteristics of excellent teachers, excellent learning, barriers to achieving these and ways to overcome them; my mind was racing away with me. Yet Doug had even more little gems to discuss with pupils - had anyone ever noticed that the department of transport's sign for a football ground is in fact impossible?

The evenings weren't just a time to sit back, enjoy the bar, company and quiz (although they played a large part). I also attended an extra session run by Tony Gardiner developing yet more teaching ideas. I sat in on the teaching committee open meeting - a debate ensued on the pros and cons of the new programme of study, functional mathematics, and how best to reply to certain government initiatives. I also had the opportunity to influence the content of a rewrite of an MA publication about finding your first job, interviews, and being an NQT.

In the closing lecture Jane Imrie filled me with a sense of anticipation and optimism. With the invention of the National Centre I could see a way before me, and those in the same profession, of sharing, learning and improvement. This great idea of collaboration is something I have been lucky enough to be part of in my school, as we run a multitude of projects that develop our skills. I was amazed at how much had already been achieved, and truly excited about the possibilities that surround the National Centre.

I agree completely with Jane that every teacher should be a member of a professional organization. The friends you meet, ideas you share, innovation you influence is incredible. At the conference you are re-energized and invigorated. I am now so dedicated to the cause that I am attempting to set up another branch to enliven, encourage, enthuse and innovate. Look out Cambridge: here we come! M

Editor's Note This article was originally a blog entry posted on 24 April 2007 at the NCETM web site, www.ncetm.org.uk

Keywords: Conference.

Author Rachael Read, King Edward VI Grammar School, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SX.

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