Maths Scholars CPD Workshop 2025
We are welcoming our wonderful Scholars and Alumni to join us at theStudio in Birmingham for more CPD workshops!
Saturday the 7th of June 2025
Session 1: Game, SET, Maths - with Dr Niki Kalaydzhieva (LMS Holgate Lecturer/University College London)
About the Session
In this workshop, we start by learning how to play the game SET, a card game involving finding collections of three cards (SETs) that satisfy certain properties. We then ask questions we can explore mathematically, focusing on what is the maximum number of cards we need, out of 81, to be guaranteed a SET. We embark on an exploration by forming an abstract model of the deck, using tools from both algebra and projective geometry to answer this question. Concurrently, we also explore the notions of modular arithmetic and lines and curves over different spaces.
About the Speaker
Niki is a lecturer at University College London (UCL), specialising in teaching pure maths, outreach and widening participation. She loves showing people the breadth of the subject, going well beyond the usual school curriculum and finding maths in some surprising places. Niki enjoys challenging student’s idea of what maths is and showcasing the diversity of maths and mathematicians.
Her PhD was in number theory, known for its easy-to-state and hard-to-solve problems. She also studied polynomials (which in some way look and behave like numbers) and tried to find (and prove) some cool properties about certain subsets of them. Before that, Niki was an undergraduate at UCL studying maths, where she joined the popular maths magazine Chalkdust as a writer and editor. Here is one of her articles about the marvellous maths of Maryam Mirzakhani.
You can find UCL on X (Twitter) at @MathematicsUCL and LinkedIn here, and @LondMathSoc on X (Twitter) here.
Session 2: Symmetry in Art: Exploring Mathematics in Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting - with Wanyun Vanessa Beaumont (Assistant Maths Hub Lead [Yorkshire and Humber Maths Hub] and ECT/ITT Lead)
About the Session
In this interactive workshop, we will explore the mathematical beauty of symmetry through the traditional art of Chinese paper cutting. Participants will investigate key mathematical concepts such as reflection, rotational symmetry, and the significance of the circle while engaging in hands-on paper-cutting activities. By creating their own intricate designs, they will gain a deeper understanding of how symmetry operates in both mathematics and art. No prior artistic experience is required—just a willingness to explore patterns, precision, and creativity in a fun and engaging way!
Please bring a pair of scissors with you.
About the Speaker
Vanessa works for Maths Hubs as a Secondary Mastery Specialist and also leads Work Groups to support schools and colleagues at different levels. She is incredibly passionate about Teaching for Mastery. Her goal is to develop and foster determination and resilience in maths and make a real difference to the next generation. Her drive is to provide opportunities for students to access high quality education, this will develop their relational understanding over rote-procedural memorisation in maths learning.
In addition to the work she does for Maths Hubs, she is also an ECT Induction Lead and ITE Lead supporting Early Career Teachers and trainee teachers for several years. She believes that the high-quality professional development that improves teachers’ knowledge, practice and confidence can have a huge impact on pupils’ outcomes.
You can find Vanessa on X (Twitter) as @Vanessa_Maths and Bluesky as @Vanessa-maths.bsky.social
Session 3: Are You Psychic? - with Christine Watson (University of Worcester ITT Lecturer)
About the Session
Take the test - can you read my mind? Or is it just mathematics in play?
This workshop links to Psychology using a test that featured in the original Ghostbusters movie. Learn how this fits with GCSE, A level and Core Maths.
About the Speaker
Christine taught in secondary schools for 30 years but has also worked with local authorities, exam boards, mathematics associations, maths hubs and assessment developers. She now works in ITT at University of Worcester and delivers professional development for AMSP alongside other projects.
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This event is open to our Scholars and Alumni only. Please check your email inbox for your personal invitation and details on how to book your place at this event.
Online bookings close at 23:59 on 22nd May 2025.
Follow our Twitter page @Beamathsteacher for updates. To follow and discuss our CPD events use #MathsScholarsCPD.
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