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18 November 2023
Working solely within one discipline or another has not provided sufficient future-facing approaches and solutions to the ”wicked problems” relevant to our times, like climate change and social inequity. Those we teach need to know how to move beyond existing ways of thinking by bringing together complex, cross-system, cross-sectoral ways of working. Crucially, these are also the skills that employers are looking for in employees of the future.
As educators, that means we need to think in trans-disciplinary, cross-curricular ways.
This workshop will explore how English and Maths can come together to ensure that teaching is rich and engaging, and also prepares students to move successfully through the 21st century world.
This workshop is brought to you by the English Association and the Mathematical Association, in collaboration with Maths Inspiration.
This event is suitable for any teacher interested in discovering the value of making connections between English and Maths, and subject leads looking for ways to develop their provision through making such connections. There will be a focus on the skills needed at GCSE, but all with an interest in this topic are welcome.
Members of the English Association and the Mathematical Association are entitled to discounted tickets (£45). For a discount code and the booking link, please email r.fisher@englishassociation.ac.uk. or to book your place CLICK HERE
13:30 – 13:45 Arrival and coffee
13:45 – 14:05 Welcome
14:05 – 15:00 Workshop 1: The future of education is collaborative and transdisciplinary
We’ll hear from poet Keisha Thompson; she’ll read her poem ‘Algebra’ and share her thoughts about connections between English and Maths. Rob Eastaway will give his response, then we’ll move into a group discussion where we’ll take a close look at the skills developed through studying English and Maths. We’ll ask ourselves: what is the common ground between our subjects? What are the benefits of collaborative working?
Keisha Thompson is a Manchester based writer, performance artist and producer (and trained mathematics teacher) with a passion for education and mathematics.
Rob Eastaway is the founder and Director of Maths Inspiration, a national programme of interactive lecture shows that aim to inspire teenagers to pursue mathematical subjects to a higher level. He is the author of many books, including the bestselling Why Do Buses Come in Threes? and Maths for Mums and Dads. His book ‘Much Ado About Numbers’ about Maths and Shakespeare is due out in the spring of 2024.
15:00 – 15:15 Break
15:15 – 15:40 Workshop 2: Maths and Shakespeare: an example of cross-curricular content (Rob Eastaway, Maths Inspiration)
15:40 – 16:00 Workshop 3: English and Maths: using poetic inquiry to listen to and learn from Maths students (Rachel Helme, University of Bristol; Elizabeth Draper, English Association)
Rachel Helme worked as a secondary school mathematics teacher for ten years in a school in the greater Bristol area, before returning to study at the University of Bristol in 2017. She also currently works as an Assistant Maths Hub Lead for the Boolean Maths Hub, based in the South-West of England. Her PhD study researched the mathematical identity work of students resitting their maths GCSE in a post-16 college; that is, the stories the students told about themselves and the stories that others told about them. She is very interested in creative ways of doing research and using pronoun poems as a way to learn to listen carefully to the stories students tell.
Elizabeth Draper is a freelance education consultant, and a passionate Further Education advocate. She is a Fellow of the EA, a member of the EA Board of Trustees, and Chair of the EA’s Secondary and Further Education Committee.
16:00 – 16:40 Workshop 4: How shall we move forward? What practical tactics/strategies can you take home with you?
16:40 – 16:45 Closing remarks