​Explore this exemplar

What was done?

The first Maths Week Scotland took place from 11-17 September 2017. The aim of the week was for everyone to experience the benefits, joy and beauty of maths in exciting new ways. Maths was explored and celebrated throughout Scotland.

Why was it done?

"The Scottish Government should work with partners to develop jointly and fund a Maths Week Scotland which brings together events across the country with online and hands-onexperiences for young people, their parents and carers and the wider public."

This is one of the 10 recommendations by the Making Maths Count Group to transform Scotland into a maths-positive nation.

What was the impact?

Participants reported increased enthusiasm, enjoyment and engagement in mathematics.

How to use this exemplar to improve practice

The presentation can be used as a stimulus to generate discussion and ideas for activities which support the main messages of Maths Week.

• Maths skills, understanding and confidence are important for everyone.
• Everyone can ‘do’ maths; it’s a way of learning and thinking that we all use and can develop.
• Maths ‘is everywhere’ and relevant to day-to-day life and work
• Being confident about and enjoying maths is about commitment and learning. It’s not ‘a gift’; it’s something we can all acquire if we want to.
• Parents and carers should recognise the value of maths and the ‘growth mindset’.
• Teachers, parents and carers should model a positive attitude to maths and explore the relevance of maths in reallife contexts.
• Maths is accessible and achievable for all. It’s vital to challenge negative attitudes and consistently promote the value of maths skills for everyone.
• Maths is a gateway into many different career paths and opportunities.
• We can avoid ‘maths anxiety’ - Maths learning and success is about reasoning and accuracy, not speed, and it shouldn’t be rushed or pressured.
• It’s vital that we raise awareness about the importance, beauty and relevance of maths, particularly as our society is becoming increasingly underpinned by science, technology and engineering and Maths provides the essential framework for life-changing advances in all of these fields.

Improvement questions

• What did we do for this year’s Maths Week that worked well?
• What was the impact?
• Are there activities undertaken during Maths Week which are sustainable throughout the year?
• What plans can we put in place for next year’s Maths Week?