Challenging Topics at GCSE
This work group is all about unpicking topics at GCSE, and tracking back through to KS3 to tackle misconceptions and difficulties, whilst also considering the implications for longer term curriculum design.
For example, in the June 2019 Higher Edexcel paper, the average score was 54%, but the average for the topic of algebra was only 45% (although it accounted for 28.3% of the marks), and some algebraic topics had an average score of just 21%. Teaching these topics effectively is key to improving results at both GCSE and A-level.
When and where
Sessions 1 - 3 will be online. Any changes to the format for the remaining sessions will be agreed with schools once the Work Group has begun and in line with government guidance.
1. Tuesday 09 February 2021 (13.30 - 16.00)
2. Tuesday 02 March 2021 (13.30 - 16.00)
3. Monday 29 March 2021 (15.00 - 17.00)
4. Tuesday 04 May 2021 (15.00 - 17.00)
5. Tuesday 29 June 2021 (16.00 - 17.00)
Between workshops participants will be expected to undertake school-based tasks with collaboration from their department.
Participants and their schools will:
-
develop a deeper insight into the maths that underpins learning in a challenging topic, through unpicking and analysing the topic
-
develop a deeper insight into the key issues and misconceptions behind the topic
-
identify misconceptions and plan a series of lessons to support students in the topic area
-
use and evaluate appropriate pedagogies to teach the topic area
-
work with their departments to unpick and analyse topics to inform collaborative planning and development of schemes of work
Who can apply?
Participants should be secondary school teachers of GCSE Maths.
Teachers who have previously participated in Work Groups in this project are welcome to take part again in 2020/21.
What is the cost?