Webinars

March 5: Making maths accessible: Teaching, curriculum and examination

Mathematics Key stage 4 Curriculum GCSEs and A Levels Examinations & Qualifications Revision Inclusion SEND
This webinar on March 5 will discuss accessibility to GCSE maths – considering how we can ensure that all students, including those with SEND, can access the curriculum and achieve and discussing the common barriers to maths study and examinations.
Key advice: This SecEd Webinar on March 5 will discuss the common barriers to maths study and GCSE examination and how teachers can overcome them - Adobe Stock
Webinar: Making maths accessible: REGISTER HERE

 

On March 5, the SecEd webinar will discuss accessibility in GCSE maths study and examination – considering how we can ensure that all students can access the curriculum and achieve to their potential in this vital subject.

We will consider common barriers to GCSE maths and ask what schools can do to identify these barriers and support learners.

SecEd has teamed up with OCR to deliver this webinar, in which we will discuss examination accessibility and what the exam board is doing to support fair access for the more than 70,000 learners who sit OCR GCSE maths every year. We will also discuss any differences in accessibility between foundation tier and higher tier.

The webinar will include information about OCR’s support and resources, including modified papers for SEND learners and other exam preparation materials.

We will discuss how teachers can use these materials as they prepare their students for GCSE examinations. We will also consider accessibility in the mathematics classroom, including resources to support curriculum delivery and teaching techniques.

The webinar will be hosted by Pete Henshaw, the editor of SecEd. His guests will be:

  • Neil Ogden, OCR Subject Advisor: Neil has worked with OCR since 2012 in a variety of qualification lead roles. He led the development of the current GCSE (9-1) Maths qualification (J560) and following its accreditation most of his time is spent supporting teachers delivering the qualification.
  • Natalie Pickering, Director of Maths, Carlton Academy Trust: Natalie is an experienced senior leader and has been overseeing maths at the Carlton Academy Trust in Yorkshire since January 2024. Prior to this, she was a lecturer for two years at Nottingham Trent University delivering its PGCE maths course. She has opted to enter students for the OCR Maths GCSE at every school she has worked at in the last eight years of her career, supporting other schools in her trusts to do the same.
  • Amy Jones, OCR Subject Advisor: Amy Jones has worked with OCR since 2023. Prior to this, she was a teacher for five years, with experience in both state and independent schools. Amy graduated from the University of York with a degree in mathematics and economics and recently completed her MA in Education. 
The webinar discussion will focus on the following key questions:
  • What are the common barriers to pupils accessing GCSE Maths papers? What specifically can SEND learners find challenging about GCSE maths papers?
  • How can schools and teachers work to overcome these barriers? What must teachers consider when planning curriculum delivery and assessment preparation?
  • What kind of access arrangements must be in place to ensure fairness for all?
  • What is OCR’s approach to accessibility in terms of exams and support materials. What feedback about accessibility has OCR had from its centres? Is it different on Foundation tier to Higher tier for GCSE maths?
  • Does accessibility in the classroom need to mirror accessibility in the assessment?
  • What is the future of accessibility in terms of teaching, curriculum and examination?