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Sample session

Session 0 is a ‘sample’ session designed to give a taster of maths circles. You can use it to get a feel for what a maths circle is like, or run it as a taster session with pupils. It has been designed to use with larger groups of pupils who haven’t had previous experience of maths circles.

You can see the content in the frame below, and full resources to run the session are provided at the bottom of the page. These give you a taste of the support that’s provided with every Axiom Maths session.

Session 0 – Is it possible All slides 250102Download

How is it the same/different from other Axiom Maths sessions?

The content and structure of this session is representative of an actual Axiom Maths session. There are speech bubbles on some of the slides (hidden in presentation view) to point out common features of Axiom Maths sessions. However, it is important to note that this ‘sample’ session is expected to take longer than a typical session (which usually lasts an hour). There are three substantial problems (two ‘core’ and one ‘rapid grasper’) to work through. The additional material provided here offers flexibility for you to organise and structure your ‘taster’ session(s) as you see fit to suit your pupils’ needs.

How easy is it to use?

The session is written as a PowerPoint presentation with extensive guidance notes to help you deliver the session. We have also provided training materials to accompany the session at the bottom of this page.

Do pupils have to sit in a circle?

We find that having about six pupils sat in a circle is a great way to encourage collaboration and to catalyse conversations between the mathematicians. It’s enough to engender debate but not so many that the mentor can’t see/hear what’s going on with the whole group. If you’re running Session 0 with a larger group, push some tables together to get them used to the group-working style they will be using in actual Axiom Maths circles when they sign up!

What am I looking for from pupils when they do the session?

The Axiom Maths programme is designed to create “triple A” mathematicians.

As they move through the programme, pupils will become more:

  • Adventurous – prepared to have a go at any challenge, even if it’s unfamiliar and beyond their comfort zone
  • Articulate – able to explain ideas and approaches clearly to each other and their mentor using the correct mathematical vocabulary
  • Accepting – recognising and valuing different approaches and ideas, listening and learning from each other’s successes and mistakes

The problems in session 0 are accessible and fun and will help you see whether pupils currently exhibit these behaviours. You can then start to think how to support them to develop and grow into more and more confident mathematicians over the five-year Axiom Maths programme.

Running Session 0

Here’s everything you need to run Session 0 with your pupils: