George Spencer Sixth Formers teach Maths Masterclasses to Spencer Trust Primary Pupils
A group of sixth formers from George Spencer Academy recently hosted a day of ‘Maths Masterclasses’ for fellow Spencer Trust Year 5 pupils from Sunnyside Spencer Academy, Hilton Spencer Academy, Brackensdale Spencer Academy and Portland Spencer Academy.
The pupils in attendance are all on track to achieving greater depth in Maths by the end of the academic year and were given the opportunity to take part in lessons on a range of topics including codes and cyphers, coordinates and symmetry and irrational numbers.
The sixth formers leading the day had previously enrolled in a session ran by The Royal Institution, in which they learnt how to plan, prepare and deliver their own masterclasses and were provided with tools and resources to equip them in their teaching on the day.
The Royal Institution aims to inspire young people to pursue futures in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and deliver a space for students to connect with STEM enthusiasts. The mathematics masterclasses provide students with hands-on experience and allows them to explore the subject outside of the classroom curriculum.
The sixth formers expressed great enthusiasm for the experience: “Today has given us the opportunity to gain experience in the primary school atmosphere”, “It’s been very beneficial for those of us considering teaching as a career”, said one group. Another echoed, “The experience allowed us to be independent whilst providing us with the resources to play and create the session.”
Pupils from Sunnyside, Hilton, Brackensdale and Portland shared the same excitement on the day: “It has been very fun because we greatly enjoyed deciphering the codes and doing different types of maths” said Edward from Sunnyside Spencer Academy. “We are so lucky, this is a great opportunity” said Arvy from Glenbrook Spencer Academy.
Lucy Herbert, Maths Lead Practitioner for Spencer Primaries, said: “It was brilliant to see our sixth formers interact with the year 5 children from across our trust. The children relished the opportunity to partake in some challenging problem solving and the sixth formers were fantastic teachers. One Spencer at its best!”
Amy Hooker, from The Royal Institution, also shared: "We're very grateful to the staff and sixth formers at George Spencer Academy for their contribution to the Masterclasses programme. These sessions provide a great opportunity for the sixth formers to develop their skills in STEM communication and create valuable opportunities for the pupils of local primary schools to broaden their horizons, while visiting."
