Promoting your Maths Department on Open Evening

September 10, 2023

Elevate the experience of your Mathematics Department’s Open Evening with these strategies.

Engaging with Year 7 Student Helpers

One key element parents of Years 5 and 6 look out for is the rapport between students and teachers. A wonderful way to exhibit this bond is by involving Year 7 student helpers during open evenings. Not only does it allow parents to observe the positive dynamics, but it also keeps their children engaged, freeing them up to make inquiries.

Showcasing Work and Resources

Student Work: Strategically place Year 7 work around the room. Feature exercise books with classwork and insightful teacher comments. Also, display posters of Year 7 homework and open exercise books to reveal students’ problem-solving methods. Ensuring that teacher-graded work is visible further establishes the quality of student-teacher interactions.

Textbooks: If your curriculum relies on textbooks, present a few. This gives parents a glimpse of what their children will study and the structured approach adopted.

Activities Led by Year 7 Students

Engaging Parents and Younger Students: Equip Year 7 helpers with a fun activity designed for Years 5 and 6 students. It’s crucial to rehearse these activities with the Year 7 students, so they’re poised and prepared. When families walk in, their attention will naturally gravitate towards the activity, especially if it’s spearheaded by an enthusiastic Year 7 student.

Math Magic

Introduce families to a math magic trick where the result is always a fixed number. This not only captivates younger visitors but also showcases the Year 7 students’ flair for mathematics.

News of the math magic activity tends to spread around the school.

Elevation Drawings Challenge:

Let visitors transform a 2D plan drawing into a 3D structure using building blocks. This hands-on activity is often a hit, with parents enthusiastically participating.

Demonstrating a maths lesson

Showcase a standard Year 7 lesson on the interactive whiteboard. Let a Year 7 student guide the parents through the lesson flow, providing them an authentic classroom experience.

Here’s an example of a lesson on 3D shapes that helps the children and parents see the progress fromm what they learn in Year 6 to Year 7.

View this lesson

Jigsaw Puzzle

Entice visitors with a tarsia puzzle challenge. Adding a timed element can stir a competitive spirit and make the activity even more engaging.

Addressing Common Parental Queries

Parents usually come with a set of common questions. Prepare your team to address:

• Methods of class assignment based on ability.
• Flexibility in moving students up/down based on their performance.
• Frequency of homework assignments.
• Average class size.
• Requirements for specific calculators.
• Support systems for students facing difficulties.
• The frequency of tests and assessments.

By anticipating these questions and showcasing the department’s strengths, you’ll leave parents with a lasting, positive impression.