Teach-Secondary-Issue-14.5

We examine the struggles students can have in applying mathematical concepts to the real world; how bringing numbers to life can unlock learners’ latent maths skills; and why we neglect those Y7 knowledge gaps at our peril... How can schools develop students’ confidence when it comes to learning maths? FOCUS ON: MATHS THE AGENDA: 56WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Ama Dickson looks at why the process of getting students to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios doesn’t always run as smoothly as it should... 61 STOP PEDALLING, START PADDLING For some students, maths instruction can seem like a foreign language – but there is a way of making it make sense, says Rebecca Ginger 62 LAYINGTHE FOUNDATIONS If your Y7s are struggling when presented with the secondary maths curriculum, it may be a lack of foundational skills that’s letting them down, advises Paul Jenkins 55 teachwire.net/secondary M AT H S