Raising Confidence with Problem Solving in the GCSE classroom

Overview

This one-day course focuses on the development of problem solving through GCSE maths. It looks at how different areas of the GCSE curriculum can be connected through using well written problems and at how you can encourage your students to become creative problem solvers. It provides strategies and ideas for teachers to use immediately in their classrooms to develop the skills of their students. There will be opportunities to consider how these concepts and resources could be embedded in professional practice and contribute towards a curriculum intent document.

Aims

• To raise the confidence of students when tackling problems
• To raise confidence in supporting students to become better problem solvers
• Identify areas for development of problem use in classrooms and across departments
• To share materials which can be used with students and colleagues

Who will benefit from attending?

Teachers who wish to improve their teaching of GCSE maths and/or the skills of their students.

Please note: This course also ran in the 2018-2019 academic year so teachers who attended these courses should not apply.

Content

Recent changes to the GCSE have given greater prominence to problem solving in secondary education.

Raising Confidence with Problem Solving considers different models for embedding a problem-solving culture in the classroom and provides practical strategies to help students become more resilient problem solvers. Referencing recent GCSE exam questions, we look at how problem solving can be utilised across the curriculum, with the objective of increasing the number of students that choose to study maths post-16.

Other Information

To get the most from our GCSE maths courses, it is suggested that your school/college also attends the other one day courses in the Raising Confidence suite. However, it is not necessary for the same teacher to attend all three. Raising Confidence has been designed to support different teachers on different days. All courses include pre- and post-course tasks to support teachers in discussing the content of the days, allowing them to share good practice across their departments.

We are hoping to run an additional course at the University of Birmingham, probably in January and this event will be added as soon as the date is confirmed.

Cost

Raising Confidence with Problem Solving is free to state-funded schools and colleges.

Schools and colleges located within Priority Areas are eligible to receive a subsidy of £250 to support staff cover and travel costs.