Parents invited Inside Frognal and given key Mathematics insight

By Sophie Bennett, Assistant Head (Partnerships and Public Relations)

Launched in the lockdown at the start of 2021, Inside Frognal has evolved from an event designed to virtually welcome parents to UCS and share aspects of the provision with them to an event that now seeks to inform and inspire parents about important and topical issues in education more broadly.

For our very first in-person Inside Frognal held in January in the Great Hall, the focus turned to Mathematics at UCS. Maths is the most popular subject in the school at A Level and is of course a feature of every single pupil’s timetable in the Lower School and Middle School. It was unsurprising – though very pleasing! – therefore when we had a record number of parents registering to attend this event.

Planned meticulously by Mr Armitage, Head of Maths, the evening included the following talks:

• Mathematics at UCS – The Student Journey: Damian Armitage, Head of Maths
• Teaching, Learning and Support in Mathematics: Joseph Verran, Coordinator of Senior School Maths
• Enrichment and Stretch in Mathematics: Brad Schumacher, Teacher of Maths and Assistant Head of Higher Education

Following an introduction by Mr Underwood, Assistant Head (Academic), parents of children across the entire age range were treated to insights and tips on how the UCS Maths Department delivers the subject here and how parents can support this at home. The subsequent Q&A session covered a series of thought-provoking issues ranging from the Prime Minister’s proposal to make Maths learning compulsory up to 18, Maths Oxbridge entrance and acceptance rates, and the impact of ChatGPT.

I am really grateful to Mr Armitage, Mr Verran and Mr Schumacher for their slick and professional talks that taught me so much about Maths at UCS. Stay tuned for next term’s topic.

Previous Inside Frognal events have focused on educational research, sex and relationships education, and how to revise effectively.