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Workshop N5 CANCELLED - presenter unwell

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Workshop N5 CANCELLED - presenter unwell

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0 Maths - Nurturing Fearless Mathematicians

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0maths is an engaging, data rich, platform using insights from psychology to support all children to succeed in maths.

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Teaching and learning resources for primary, KS3, GCSE. IGCSE and A level. Revision, practise and exam preparation for all levels. Including Letts revision and home learning, books for Scottish education from Leckie, and Keen Kite resources for primary schools.

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Mathematical Challenge is a problem solving competition for individual pupils in Scottish secondary schools and upper primary schools (mainly P7). It has been running since 1976 under the aegis of the Scottish Mathematical Council . The aim is to promote mathematics as a source of interest and pleasurable achievement.

The competition is divided into four divisions: Primary (P7), Junior (S1 and S2), Middle (S3 and S4), and Senior (S5 and S6). Each year there are two rounds of problems for Secondary schools and three rounds for Primary schools. The problems and associated documents for schools should be downloaded (click here).

In early summer winners of Gold, Silver and Bronze Certificates are announced in each section; the top winners are usually invited to a prize-giving ceremony and receive a much prized Mathematical Challenge mug.

Marks are given for explanations of answers rather than for simply getting the correct answer.

Past problems and their solutions can be found via the navigation bar on this page. If you wish to enter, please speak to your teacher. Contact addresses for the various regions of Scotland may also be found via the navigation bar, including the National Committee. Guidelines for the competition are also available.

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Mathematical Challenge is a problem solving competition for individual pupils in Scottish secondary schools and upper primary schools (mainly P7). It has been running since 1976 under the aegis of the Scottish Mathematical Council . The aim is to promote mathematics as a source of interest and pleasurable achievement.

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Some of our Exhibitors invite you to join them for lunchtime seminars to further explore their products & services. All seminars run from 12.45pm - 1.25pm.

Room 2A54: Scholar

Room 2A73: BrightRed Publishing

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QR Code for SMC Conference Evaluation 2025

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AA5 - Graphical literacy in Nat 5 and Higher Mathematics - Gerard McNally

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AA5 - Graphical literacy in Nat 5 and Higher Mathematics - Gerard McNally

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I will share a series of tasks I’ve developed with the aim of deepening pupil understanding of the relationships between the algebraic and graphical representations of linear, quadratic, trigonometric, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. The tasks have been designed to be used in conjunction with Desmos or similar freely available graphing software. Workshop participants will have opportunities to engage with the tasks and to design some of their own using the pedagogical techniques that have informed mine and can be applied more widely across the curriculum.

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M4 - Improving achievement through implementing mixed ability in a maths department - Fergus Maclean

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M4 - Improving achievement through implementing mixed ability in a maths department - Fergus Maclean

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Are you curious about whether mixed ability classes in a Secondary Mathematics department can make a positive difference? Come along and find out how we made it work. It wasn’t easy, but we believe mixed ability benefited the kids by improving self-belief, engagement and achievement.

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This year we are introducing a final get together to round off our day of exhilarating maths talk, discussion and thinking.

Chaired by the SMC Chair, Andrew Wilson, our panel will consider the question 'What next for Scottish mathematics education?'.

Panel members:

Andy Brown - Scotland's Mathematics Specialist Adviser

Holly Drummond - ESMS Junior School

Dr. Kirsten Fenton - ESMS Junior School

Angel Hinkley - Drumchapel High School

Bryn Jones - Newbattle High School

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Conference Organiser:

Exhibitor contact:

Other contacts: Andrew Wilson

Tech Support:

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Getting here | About | University of Stirling

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How to get to the University of Stirling by walking, public transport, bus, car and train

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If you park in the car park circled red, walk past the Cottrell reception building, and head for the library. If you park anywhere else on campus, you're on your own!

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Coffee/tea and pastries on arrival

Lunch - soup and sandwiches

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Stirling University Room Map - you will get a paper copy of this map on arrival

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Stirling University Room Map - you will get a paper copy of this map on arrival

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Teaching room locations | About | University of Stirling

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Teaching room locations | About | University of Stirling

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Teaching room locations in Cottrell, Pathfoot and the Stirling Court Hotel

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H1 - Rob Eastaway - You too can be a maths genuis!

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H1 - Rob Eastaway - You too can be a maths genuis!

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When maths celebrity Bobby Seagull calculated 45 x 400 in his head on TV, comedian Tom Allen described him as a 'genius'.  If that's what it takes to be a genius, then most of your students can be geniuses too.  This is a session about the valuable art of mental arithmetic, and the mathematical principles behind it.  You’ll leave equipped with a range of impressive arithmetical ‘tricks’ to impress your class that are also a springboard to some deeper applications of algebra and simple number theory.

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Louise will explore what Oracy is, and why it is important both generally, and specifically for mathematics. She will outline the five Oxford University Press 'Talk for Maths Benchmarks', written in collaboration with the oracy charity, Voice 21, and explore research and examples of how the benchmarks can enhance teaching and learning in mathematics. Delegates will have the chance to think and talk, through engaging in a non routine mathematical problem.

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C2 - STEM SPACE Project: Improving spatial skills for maths success - Jack Parkinson

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C2 - STEM SPACE Project: Improving spatial skills for maths success - Jack Parkinson

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The STEM SPACE Project is an initiative run out of the University of Glasgow in several local authorities in Scotland. It is based on the wealth of research evidence that spatial reasoning is a highly valuable skills for students to develop, but is not typically a focus of the school curriculum. The project works with teachers to deliver lesson plans for maths lessons with a spatial twist: pupils can develop their spatial reasoning skills while learning typical maths. This session will give anyone interested a bit of info about the programme and a chance to see the materials we use.

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L3 - Data and Analysis with the micro:bit - Euan Morrison

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L3 - Data and Analysis with the micro:bit - Euan Morrison

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In 2022, every school in Scotland received 20 micro:bits, small pocket-sized computers with so many possibilities for cross-curricular learning. These micro:bits have the ability to record real life data anywhere and analyse this on a computer or mobile device. This hands-on workshop will explore the use of micro:bits to collect and analyse a range of data. Lesson resources will be provided with ideas to engage learners P4-S3 and beyond with Data Analysis. No prior coding experience is required!

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U4 - Connecting Maths to Social Justice, Rights and Equality - Angel Hinkley and Diana Firth

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U4 - Connecting Maths to Social Justice, Rights and Equality - Angel Hinkley and Diana Firth

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Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, this workshop empowers educators to integrate social justice, rights, and equality into mathematics by exploring themes like igniting hope, nurturing belonging, real-world maths, horizontal learning, global connections, and dismantling discrimination. Using historical and current events as contexts, we’ll design inclusive strategies to ensure all learners feel represented and valued. Participants will develop tools to connect maths concepts to societal challenges, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and student agency. By the session’s end, teachers will have a practical toolkit of lesson ideas to engage students in deepening their awareness of equity and social justice issues.

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Welcome to Bright Red Publishing, Scotland's leading independent educational publisher and home of top Study Guides and Course Books for Scottish Qualifications Authority exams!

Please take a look at the brightest, freshest, easiest-to-use books for Scotland's secondary students and teachers and our BGE, National 4, National 5, CfE Higher and CfE Advanced Higher resources for the Curriculum for Excellence. Bright Red books offer the best study and revision support for the new SQA qualifications. We have plenty of useful exam revision hints and tips too!

Make sure to visit the multi-award winning Bright Red Digital Zone for free online revision activities, practice tests, videos and links to support our N5, CfE Higher and CfE Advanced Higher Study Guides. Nearly 100,000 students and teachers have already registered and over 2,000,000 tests have been taken! Be Bright, Be Ready and join them today!

Tell Us Your Thoughts!

Keep an eye on the bright red Latest Offers and News button at the top of the page for details of our regular special offers and updates on all our newly published Bright Red books!

Register with the Bright Red Digital Zone for award-winning and FREE support for Bright Red's National 5, CfE Higher and CfE Advanced Higher Study Guides. Tens of thousands of others signed up are already enjoying extra practice exam activities and tests!

We would love to know what you think about our website, our books, exams and revision, or just about life in general. Our favourite thoughts will be added to our news page. If you'd like to stay up to date with the latest news and offers from Bright Red Publishing, be sure to sign up to our newsletter on the Register page or find us on Facebook and Twitter using the links below.

How to Order and Contact Us

We want to makes things as easy as possible for our customers, therefore you can contact Bright Red in lots of ways!

Have a look through our new 2020-2021 Catalogue for information on all of our titles.

Stationers' Company Innovation Excellence Award 2014

Highly Commended Bookseller Industry Awards 2014

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Welcome to Bright Red Publishing, Scotland's leading independent educational publisher and home of top Study Guides and Course Books for Scottish Qualifications Authority exams! Please take a look at the brightest, freshest, easiest-to-use books for Scotland's secondary students and teachers and our BGE, National 4, National 5, CfE Higher and CfE Advanced Higher resources for the Curriculum for Excellence.

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Mathematical Association - Home (m-a.org.uk)

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e-Learning for schools and colleges. Online courses for: Art & Design, Business, English, ESOL, Modern Languages and STEM including Gaelic-medium Science.

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Zeta Maths

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V1 - Conceptions of numeracy - Cristina Mio and colleagues

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V1 - Conceptions of numeracy - Cristina Mio and colleagues

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Numeracy and mathematics are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. Yet, some CfE Experiences and Outcomes come under ‘Numeracy’ and others under ‘Mathematics’, implying that there is a difference between the two. This workshop explores different definitions of ‘numeracy’ from policy and literature. Participants will take part in activities to reflect and share their own conception of numeracy and how their practice is affected by it.

We will also share some preliminary findings from three focus groups carried out with early years, primary and secondary mathematics teachers to explore their views on numeracy.

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W2 - Dominoes - more than a game? - Sheena Dunlop

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W2 - Dominoes - more than a game? - Sheena Dunlop

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An informative interactive session using dominoes, linking them to a range of manipulatives and different maths concepts.

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X3 - Save That Baby! - Motivation through Applications - Bryn Jones

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X3 - Save That Baby! - Motivation through Applications - Bryn Jones

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Can we increase student motivation through bringing "real life" maths into the classroom? Bryn will share a unit of work structured about maths for nursing - including having students save a baby through medicine dosage calculations. It's mathematics that's a matter of life and death!

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Z4 - Ratio tables across the curriculum: from BGE to senior phase - Emmanouil Mastoridis

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Z4 - Ratio tables across the curriculum: from BGE to senior phase - Emmanouil Mastoridis

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This session will explore the use of ratio tables as an effective tool for developing proportional reasoning. Proportionality is a fundamental concept underpinning many topics across the BGE and senior phase, including percentages, speed-distance-time, similarity, pie charts, fractions, direct and inverse proportion, trigonometry, and algebra. I will present a structured framework that makes proportionality accessible from P7 and S1 onwards, sharing examples from my own practice. Attendees will receive resources to apply in their teaching. Finally, I will advocate for a unified approach that fosters deeper conceptual understanding and problem-solving rather than reliance on procedural methods.

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BB5 - Advanced Higher Mathematics and University Outcomes: how does this qualification influence success at University? - Louise Kelly and colleagues

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BB5 - Advanced Higher Mathematics and University Outcomes: how does this qualification influence success at University? - Louise Kelly and colleagues

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Using student attainment and demographic data, we have undertaken an analysis of the effect of the Advanced Higher (AH) Mathematics qualification on outcomes at university, specifically progress from year 1 to year 2 and completion of STEM degrees. Our research has found that AH Mathematics has a positive association with progress and completion. This qualification is thus useful for those wishing to study Mathematics, Science and Engineering programmes at university. In line with the Scottish Government's commitment to fair access, this result leads to the question of provision of AH Mathematics across Scotland. In this session we will present our research findings and follow this with discussion on provision and uptake of AH Mathematics. We hope to obtain views and opinions of teachers on how provision varies across the country, how it has changed over time and what are pupils’ perceptions of choosing/completing AHs. To support further research, please fill in the attached MS form.

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Advanced Higher Mathematics and University Outcomes

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Advanced Higher Mathematics and University Outcomes

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A1 - Martin Gardner and the Demise of Dull Maths Lessons - Dr. Chris Pritchard

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A1 - Martin Gardner and the Demise of Dull Maths Lessons - Dr. Chris Pritchard

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Martin Gardner ran the mathematics column in Scientific American for 25 years and then arranged his writings into best-selling books featuring an enormous number of topics, games, problems and investigations, some of which are familiar now only through his efforts. Much of the material can be used to enrich the mathematical experiences of young and old alike. Come along and learn how to bring your classroom to life.

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D3 - Primary maths and the art of making things - Elizabeth Foley

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D3 - Primary maths and the art of making things - Elizabeth Foley

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I will share some of the creative (crafty) approaches I have explored with students on our Primary Education programmes. As well as giving participants the opportunity to work through a ‘make’, I will present student feedback and reveal some of the challenges I experienced along the way. I would welcome a discussion around how creative approaches can potentially enhance student experiences, link to classroom practice and, importantly, engender a feeling of ‘maths positivity’.

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E4 - Mind the Load: Smarter Maths Teaching with Cognitive Science - Michael Allan

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E4 - Mind the Load: Smarter Maths Teaching with Cognitive Science - Michael Allan

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In this workshop, Michael will revisit Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and other ideas from cognitive science and discuss how these have transformed his teaching practice in recent years. Participants will explore practical strategies, like worked examples and decluttering explanations and the environment, to manage mental effort, and discover how retrieval practice and spaced learning boost retention, making it easier for teachers to teach and pupils to learn. With real-life classroom examples, this session offers cognitive science tools to lighten the load and deepen understanding.

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F5 - 'Maths at Work': careers resources by University of Edinburgh - Francesca Iezzi

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F5 - 'Maths at Work': careers resources by University of Edinburgh - Francesca Iezzi

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Despite best efforts of teachers, mathematics is often seen by teenagers as a dry and mechanical subject. How can we help our teenagers to develop an appreciation of the breadth of mathematics and show them the range of careers this discipline can open up?

"Maths at Work" is a series of five videos produced in September 2018 by the University of Edinburgh. Five maths graduate explain the struggles they had while studying maths, and how they use maths in their jobs. Then, each graduate presents and solves a puzzle related to their job, which we will explore together in the workshop.

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G6 - Learning in privacy: how online lessons can help students gain confidence and even enjoyment for maths - Rachel McNeill

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G6 - Learning in privacy: how online lessons can help students gain confidence and even enjoyment for maths - Rachel McNeill

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I often teach adults with strong vocational motivation but with little enthusiasm for maths. They frequently claim to have PTSD from their school maths lessons. While teaching online during the Covid lockdowns, I realised that for many students, learning maths in the privacy of one’s own home rather than in the public space of a maths classroom can be a game changer.

I have since developed a programme which combines online and on campus sessions, leading not only to great results for my students, but also giving them enthusiasm and a sense of enjoyment for maths.

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N5 - Are we telling the whole truth about the standard deviation? - Daniel Wolf-Root

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N5 - Are we telling the whole truth about the standard deviation? - Daniel Wolf-Root

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What is the standard deviation? When do we divide by n? When by n-1? Why? Why do we square and take square roots instead of absolute values? Why are the two formulas on the N5 formula sheet equivalent? There are really three standard deviations, but before AH Statistics, which few students take, we are only teaching one: the unbiased estimate of the population standard deviation from a sample. I will tell more of this story, discuss a conceptual trajectory from first exposure to Advanced Higher Statistics and beyond, and share how teachers in the sciences apply the Standard Deviation, before leading a discussion around the truth about standard deviation.

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We are delighted to announce that Rob Eastaway will be joining us to give our keynote address and run workshops at the SMC Stirling Maths Conference this year.

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Rob Eastaway is a well-known author, a mathematical speaker and the former puzzle adviser for the New Scientist magazine.

Rob has given hundreds of maths talks across the world to audiences of all ages, and puzzles and games are at the centre of many of his maths talks and workshops. He is the author of several bestselling popular maths books, including Why Do Buses Come in Threes? and Maths On the Back of an Envelope and is a regular guest on the BBC Radio 4 programme More or Less. His latest book is Much Ado About Numbers and is on sale NOW.

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O1 - Rob Eastaway - You too can be a maths genius!

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O1 - Rob Eastaway - You too can be a maths genius!

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When maths celebrity Bobby Seagull calculated 45 x 400 in his head on TV, comedian Tom Allen described him as a 'genius'.  If that's what it takes to be a genius, then most of your students can be geniuses too.  This is a session about the valuable art of mental arithmetic, and the mathematical principles behind it.  You’ll leave equipped with a range of impressive arithmetical ‘tricks’ to impress your class that are also a springboard to some deeper applications of algebra and simple number theory.

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B1 - Rise to the Maths Challenge - Lindsey Corson, Andrina Inglis, Mike Smith, Brenda Harden

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B1 - Rise to the Maths Challenge - Lindsey Corson, Andrina Inglis, Mike Smith, Brenda Harden

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As Maths Challenge enters its Jubilee Year, come and meet some of the team. Experience Maths Challenge questions. Can you achieve top marks? Would you win a mug?

After this workshop you will be ready to challenge your pupils.

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P1 - Closing the Numeracy Gap intervention in secondary school setting - Janet Rogerson and Vicky Kerr

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P1 - Closing the Numeracy Gap intervention in secondary school setting - Janet Rogerson and Vicky Kerr

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Find out about the Closing the Numeracy Gap and how it can transform pupil's numeracy by locating and fixing the gaps in their numeracy. Some of the methods from the intervention will be demonstrated and there will be opportunity for discussion surrounding the experience of this learning programme and how it can also be used in a secondary setting.

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Q2 - Developing Early Number Sense and Home Learning Opportunities - Lorna Tennant

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Q2 - Developing Early Number Sense and Home Learning Opportunities - Lorna Tennant

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This workshop will explore the journey that both the nursery and Lorna have taken in developing educators' awareness of early number sense. Including the CLPL opportunities to enhance practitioners' mathematical subject knowledge and supporting learners through tracking and monitoring to measure the impact of planned interventions on attainment. Additionally, how staff CLPL influences children's numeracy and maths development, as reflected in their learning journals through experiences, interactions, and progression will be discussed. Finally, the planning, implementation, and early impact of our Little Mathematicians Home Learning Bags for families will be highlighted.

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R2 - Enhancing Metacognitive Development Through Mathematical Journaling in Primary - Holly Drummond and Dr. Kirsten Fenton

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R2 - Enhancing Metacognitive Development Through Mathematical Journaling in Primary - Holly Drummond and Dr. Kirsten Fenton

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This session explores mathematical journaling, through practical strategies, case studies, and research, as a tool to develop metacognitive knowledge and regulation in primary classrooms. By integrating writing, oracy, and reflection into lessons, journaling encourages students to articulate reasoning, evaluate problem-solving strategies, and monitor learning, foster meaningful discourse, strengthens self-regulation, and promotes a positive mathematics identity, thereby overcoming disengagement, low self-esteem, and maths anxiety.

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S3 - Moo Maths! - Donna Bullivant, Katie Bribane and Lynne Reid

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S3 - Moo Maths! - Donna Bullivant, Katie Bribane and Lynne Reid

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This session introduces the 'Moo Maths' First and Second Level packs. This collaboration between the Royal Highland Education Trust and schools illustrates how to explore Numeracy and Mathematics through farming. The workshop shows examples of learning in the classroom using data from a dairy farmer and provides an opportunity to take part in Moo Maths activities linked to the CPA approach to problem solving.

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T3 - Subject knowledge matters - Ismail O. Zembat

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T3 - Subject knowledge matters - Ismail O. Zembat

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By engaging in tasks, participants will reflect on their subject matter knowledge (e.g., place value, arithmetic operations, volume) to respond to nonstandard student solutions. The discussion will enable teachers to think about the depth of mathematical knowledge needed to handle everyday mathematics teaching tasks (e.g., responding to students' why questions, interpreting nonstandard solutions) and what knowledge components would be useful in making qualitatively different mathematical arguments.

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Information about workshops, including liaison with presenters:

SMC 2025 Conference Organiser: Tara Harper SMC.conference@proton.me

SMC Treasurer: Suzanne Stoppard

SMC.Treasurer@proton.me

SMC Chair: Andrew Wilson

SMC.Chair@proton.me

Exhibitors and Sponsors:

SMC Secretary: Simon Fogel

SMC.secretary@proton.me

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Remember to scroll ALONG and DOWN the columns to see all the workshop descriptors.

Choose ONE workshop per workshop slot.

Key to levels

BLACK and 1 = ALL

PURPLE and 2 = Primary only

RED and 3 = BGE/Primary/Secondary

BLUE and 4 = Secondary only

ORANGE and 5 = Secondary/Senior phase