Co-ordinator Ms Friedenthal writes:

This term, 56 of our students have been running a maths roadshow for Years 5-8 in primary and secondary schools around Manchester. The project started with 5 weeks of training from MMU and Loreto staff, then since half term we have been visiting different schools each week. The roadshow involves 7 different fun problem solving activities and is run on a carousel, lasting 90 minutes. Staff and student feedback has been fantastic. We are now looking forward to going into all 10 schools next term in small groups, to support maths.

The schools involved at primary level are: St Mary’s C.E. Holy Name R.C. Webster, St John’s R.C. and Rolls Crescent. At secondary, where Mrs Lawes has been heavily involved, we work with St Peter’s, Chorlton High, Manchester Academy, Loreto Chorlton and Manchester Enterprise Academy.

The Maths Department is delighted with the response our students have been getting:

“All of our staff were very impressed with the way your students worked with the children; they were friendly, enthusiastic and offered excellent explanations to any child that was struggling, or needed an extra challenge.”

“Friday morning was an absolute triumph and the children and staff here at St Mary’s got so much out of it.  The students were a credit to Loreto and the work carried out with MMU.  Everything ran so smoothly it was obvious that a great deal of thought and planning had gone into ensuring a successful morning was had by all. We can’t wait for next year!”

“Your Maths students were a credit to Loreto College; they showed patience and kindness to Year 7 students yet supported them to make their own mathematical decisions. Our students really enjoyed the workshops and were ‘talking about the maths’ even during break time!”

“Thank you so much for the very successful maths problem solving workshop you and your students ran last week. The practical, open-ended activities were very engaging and are exactly the kind of maths we are trying to promote within school. Our pupils were totally engrossed and enjoyed the morning immensely, especially those children who sometimes find maths more difficult.”

There has also been a fantastic response from the Loreto students involved in the project:

“I applied because I thought I’d learn how to teach and understand how primary school children learn maths.” – Nina

“The training helped us prepare and gave us an experience of what the actual roadshow might be like.” – Ciara

“I learnt that there is a huge difference between A Level and primary school teaching.” – Amy

“This project improved my communication skills, especially when talking to younger children. I realised that sometimes it’s better to listen than talk.” – Matthew

“The roadshows were challenging but fun. It was inspiring to see younger children enjoying and engaging in the activities.” – Aleena