The LGfL Maths Squad launched in September 2020 and offers a unique blend of online learning resources, unique secure mock content written by the foremost expert in the field of GCSE maths assessment and bespoke consultancy support for LGfL schools.
Further details can be viewed at mathsquad.lgfl.net
We hope this pre Christmas update from the Maths Squad team is a useful way of sharing the ongoing improvements to the Maths Squad service during what has been for many an extremely challenging term / year.
The Maths Squad Secure Mock
Identifying key issues from the data analysis
Some schools have given their students our first set of Maths Squad Secure Mock papers. We have begun our analysis and already it has been illuminating to see where students have gaps in their knowledge and understanding.
Very broadly, we've noticed that questions on geometry are problematical, especially the AO2 aspects linked to interpretation, communication, and reasoning.
For sure it was ever thus - we know that all but the most confident students don't naturally like having to give a reason for their answers, but the data confirms this as an ongoing issue. This knowledge will allow us to target such weaknesses and hopefully guide students to resources which will help them feel more secure in these areas.
We have been refining the creation of the secure mock and are pleased to confirm that the second secure mock has been created ready for use in the new year.
We expect that most students have been sitting their mock examinations in November and December; we are ready to help support Maths departments with their analysis of the results as required.
Secure mocks in the Spring Term 2021
We are also working on secure mock sets 3 and 4 and are well placed to make any changes to those in case there are any changes to curriculum or specifications for the Summer 2021 examinations; these may occur as a consequence of Gavin Williamson's recent announcement.
Click to watch a video of Maths Squad consultant Grahame Smart discussing the data from secure mock one in a participating school.
Blutick Partnership
Full Platform Access
We are delighted to announce that the Maths Squad is being enhanced with a new partnership with Blutick Maths. This new partnership offers two key benefits for all LGfL Maths Squad Schools:
Benefit 1 – Blutick Maths access for all LGfL Maths Squad schools
Free access to the whole Blutick platform until August 2021 for all LGfL Maths Squad schools for all teachers and students. If you would like to make use of the platform for secondary age school groups, email us today.
Benefit 2 - Online secure mock delivery via Blutick
In addition, we have also teamed up with Blutick to offer the second secure mock online for those schools in a position to get their students to take it through that format in school in the Spring Term.
This is a hugely important development, and we think this will give schools that take part a significant advantage, particularly if some of the pupils who were scheduled to sit the exam are isolating or if a Year 11 bubble is off-site.
‘Blutick is thrilled to be working with the LGfL Maths Squad team to deliver automatically marked Secure Mock GCSE papers to LGfL schools. As a Maths teacher, I know that completing past papers (and getting thorough and timely feedback on them) is critical to any student’s GCSE success, and Blutick is proud to be offer their unique line by line marking system, which can automatically mark both working and answers at GCSE-level. The detailed, structured and highly personalised data created by Maths Squad is ideal for teachers in supporting their students, and we’re excited to see the benefits for students as they prepare for the exams at this difficult time.
Rob Percival CEO – Blutick Maths
The Maths department of Bonus Pastor Catholic College in Bromley is trialling the 2nd Maths squad secure mock exam through the Blutick platform. Early feedback suggest this development has been positively received by the students with one being overheard to say ‘This is better than anything else we use’ and ‘I like the way it tells us instantly when we score a mark.’
If you would like to make use of the platform for secondary age school groups, email us today.
Maths in the Real World - Engaging Learners with Real
World Content
As part of the Maths Squad service, you have access to the 2020 Bett Award shortlisted 'Maths in The Real World' content.
A new video explaining how you can capture the imagination of learners with the sporting decision resources has been created to inspire maths teachers. You can view the new video here.
Click here to access the maths in the critically acclaimed Maths in The Real World resource.
Maths Squad 2021
We look forward to supporting you next term; adding our expertise to yours to help your students achieve their full potential next summer with the proposed GCSE assessments.
Keep well, stay safe and have a restful Christmas break.
Grahame Smart and Graham Cumming
on behalf of the LGfL Maths Squad Team
