SNE Event

This session will explore how variation theory can be used to deepen mathematical understanding by carefully designing tasks that highlight critical features and connections between concepts. We will examine practical classroom strategies that help pupils notice and generalize mathematical structures, ensuring they move beyond procedural fluency to conceptual understanding.

Drawing on examples from primary mathematics, we will discuss:

• How small, deliberate changes in examples can strengthen reasoning and problem-solving.
• Task design approaches that promote connections across different areas of maths.
• The role of teacher questioning in guiding pupils’ attention to key mathematical ideas.
• How variation theory can support pupils in verbal and written reasoning.

The session will include ready-to-use activities and insights from real classroom practice, helping teachers apply variation theory effectively in their own settings.

This session will given an overview of a programme run by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematic (NCETM), called Securing Foundation at Year 7. However, this can be used with multiple year groups and in multiple ways. It consists of quality resources and guidance for the teaching of additive reasoning, multiplicative reasoning and fractions.

Teachers are raving about the impact this programme has had in its first year, “My pupils have the confidence to speak up, explain and question.” “My students now have confidence and resilience – they are willing to reason mathematically.” “They seem to enjoy the subject more.” “I now see the importance of consistent methods used throughout different topics.” “I am buying in algebra tiles, double sided counters and other manipulatives to support other year groups.” “Out students now have a consistent approach throughout.”

Who wouldn’t want confident, resilient students enjoying their lessons?! As well as staff equipped to teach them. Come along to find out more and see how you can use this in your school.

Once you have registered and the SNE events team have approved your place, you will be sent your confirmation email which contains your unique joining link from Zoom.

If you have not received this, please check your spam/junk folder. 

If you are still struggling to find your join link, you can contact us in advance of the event and we will resend it to you. Events@schoolsnortheast.com

You can join the call without downloading Zoom by clicking ‘join from browser’ when you launch the call on the day of the event.

If you are using the Zoom app from your laptop or PC, please ensure that you have the latest version installed prior to the event. Download and Install here: https://zoom.us/client/latest/ZoomInstaller.exe

You can submit questions for the speaker when you register, using the Zoom registration form.

The Zoom chat function will also be available during the call and questions can be submitted here. You will also have the chance to unmute and speak directly with the speaker during any allocated Q&A sessions.