Maths strategy discussed at Harrogate school

As the lead for the Yorkshire Ridings maths hub - one of 32 national maths hubs - the school hosted delegates from schools across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The event, which saw representatives from primary, secondary, and further and higher education institutions linked to the Grammar School in attendance, was geared towards setting out a strategy for the future of maths in the Yorkshire region.

This included ensuring the needs of schools are identified and met by providing bespoke support and development where it is really needed.

Executive head of maths at Harrogate Grammar School and lead in the Yorkshire Ridings maths hub Colin Prestwich said: “I see the event as the start of a real opportunity to bring together a range of expertise from across the region to maximise student potential and outcomes.

“The difference between this and other initiatives to improve maths education is that it is school-led, meaning it will hopefully have a greater and lasting impact on how students are taught and learn, and also in areas such as initial teaching training and recruitment of maths specialists into the education sector.

“Harrogate Grammar School fully understands the importance of partnership and collaboration and relishes the opportunity to work with all other educational partners

“This event marks the start of the journey to collaboratively shape and improve mathematics in the region.”

Harrogate Grammar School became a maths hub after a rigorous application process and is now part of the Government-led initiative to create regional centres for collaboration and development, improving maths teaching and learning.

The all-day event included a presentation from the minister of state at the Department for Education Nick Gibb, who spoke about the national picture for maths hubs and the importance the Government places on the initiative.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones also attended the strategy event.