This one-day course will focus on using differentiation and assessment effectively in the classroom to increase rates of progress in mathematics. Delegates will reflect on their current practice, and prepare an action plan outlining how they will use ideas from the course to improve the quality of teaching and learning in their lessons and/or their departments.

The course will cover:

• Level-free assessment – what the changes mean for mathematics departments and mathematics teachers
• Planning – how to plan and deliver lessons in which assessment is an integral part of the learning
• Raising the bar – using assessment and differentiation to support pupils in rising to the challenge of the new National Curriculum and in preparing for the new GCSE
• Assessing pupils’ mastery of the content and aims of the new National Curriculum – including strategies for measuring progress in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving
• Measuring impact – using pre- and post-testing to establish levels of prior learning and to assess what progress has been made
• Differentiation – ensuring that all pupils experience an appropriate level of challenge
• Ofsted – what are they looking for in differentiation and assessment in mathematics lessons?

This course is suitable for:

• Secondary Mathematics teachers
• Mathematics' subject leaders

Presenter profile

Helen Blanchard has extensive classroom experience, working with pupils at key stages one, two, three, four and five. Her roles have included mathematics subject leader, assistant head teacher, Advanced Skills Teacher and National Strategies regional adviser for mathematics and functional skills. Since April 2011, she has been working as an independent consultant and Ofsted inspector.

Helen has a wealth of experience of supporting teachers on improving pedagogy and classroom practice, and working with senior and subject leaders to improve engagement and raise attainment in mathematics departments and whole-school. She is accredited by the NCETM to provide CPD in both primary and secondary phases, and has worked with a range of awarding organisations on developing new assessments. Helen is an Ofqual external expert on mathematics qualifications.

Feedback from teachers on Helen’s course

A good opportunity to get new ideas for the new curriculum
Deeply considered, very thought-provoking and useful content: much appreciated diversity of angles.
Extremely valuable inset. Very knowledgeable advice and help.

Cost: £145 per delegate which includes lunch and resources; £199 for 2 teachers from the same school