Daily Archives: 17/01/2019

Maths

Mathematics Summer School 2019

Our Maths Summer School offers bright and aspirational students the opportunity to study a variety of advanced topics in pure and applied mathematics that are not typically covered by the school syllabus. The course is particularly appropriate for students who may be considering further study of mathematics, but is also a great addition for those interested in related disciplines, such as physics, computing or engineering.

This Summer School offers the chance to explore some of the most exciting ideas in contemporary mathematics. As a general structure, students will develop a theoretical understanding of a particular branch of mathematics in the morning session, before exploring the practical applications of these ideas in the afternoon. 

Mathematics – Part 1 focuses on Number Theory, Algebra and Geometry and is open to all students aged 15-18. Topics will include prime numbers, Riemann-zeta functions, polynomial equations, non-Euclidean geometry, group theory, statistical methods, probability theory, algorithms, Turing machines and code-breaking. As part of this programme, students will explore some of the most fascinating and famous unsolved problems in mathematics, including the Riemann Hypothesis, Goldbach Conjecture and Twin Prime Conjecture.

Mathematics – Part 2 focuses on Calculus, Proofs and Infinities and requires that students have completed a minimum of one year of A-level study in Mathematics (or equivalent) at the time of the course. This programme offers a university-style approach to the topics of linear algebra, modular arithmetic, limits, multi-variable calculus, mathematical induction, set theory and cryptography. During the course, students will explore some of the most exciting modern-day applications of these ideas, including quantum encryption, RSA algorithms, Google PageRank, the Black-Scholes equation and Gödel’s incompleteness theorem.

Classes are small, typically containing twelve to fourteen students, all of whom should have a passion for mathematics, a curiosity to build on their existing knowledge and be keen to embrace and exchange new ideas. Classes will focus on problem questions and exercises, creating a comfortable environment for students to share ideas amongst their peers and to progress from their existing knowledge toward more challenging material.

The Mathematics Summer School will be held in late July 2019. You can find detailed schedules, available dates, costs, student reviews and tutors on the course webpage – here.

Feedback from previous students:

If you love Mathematics and are thinking of taking the subject at A-level and beyond then do not hesitate to attend this course. I came away from this week with crazy enthusiasm for maths as well helpful guidelines and knowledge to support my career in the subject. I made some great new friends and met inspirational maths-minded people who I will never forget!’ 

‘Even though we only spent one day on each topic, they were taught at a surprising level of depth. I felt that in in my time at Debate Chamber, the main focus of the tutors was for you to learn about new topics you wouldn’t usually study at school. In school, the main focus of the lesson is to learn a topic to a level that is sufficient for you to be able to solve problems in a test. Instead, in the summer school I felt encouraged to ask questions, to understand the logic behind the mathematics, why it works, and the underlying importance of the concepts learned in the real world.’ 

‘You won’t regret it! If you love the subject, you’ll love the entire week. It gives an unparalleled taster into university mathematics and allows you to explore some absolutely fascinating concepts – some of which will be almost entirely alien to you! The teachers were excellent, and the friendly atmosphere ensures that everyone has a great time. I wish I could go again’ 

‘The Mathematics Summer School is a great introduction to maths at university. During the five days, I was presented with a variety of new topics in mathematics which had not been covered in the A level course. I would highly recommend attending the Debate Chamber Summer School, as it gives you a great opportunity to look at other areas of maths.’ 

‘This is a great event as it gives you lots of exposure to university style teaching and ideas, really testing your knowledge and dedication to your subject. The tutors guide you through it, pushing you to your full potential but in a fun and engaging manner. This course is definitely worth taking part in.’

Bursaries 

Debate Chamber is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent any student from attending our events. For details of how to apply for bursary funding, please see here. 

Practical Details

All of our courses will be held at University of London venues in Bloomsbury, Central London. Please note that these courses are not residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

The Mathematics Summer School will be held in late July 2019. You can find detailed schedules, dates, costs, student reviews and tutors on the course webpage – here.

To book a place students can complete the online booking form, call us on 0845 519 4827, or email us at info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

School News

A guide to offering extra support to pupils with musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders compromise of sore joints to aching bones and inevitably, this can have a significant bearing on a person’s quality of life. It’s important for schools to look at how many of their own students are affected by these sorts of conditions and consider carefully what they can do to help.

Do you have procedures in place to cater to students with such problems? If not, then it’s something you should consider developing and implementing for 2019. In addition to that, you must also ensure that such conditions aren’t caused by the environment of your school premises.

Read on to find out more about ways that schools can help those who suffer from such pain, as well as preventative action they can take to stop these types of disorders developing.

Musculoskeletal disorders can cause attendance issues

Research shows that 45% of musculoskeletal disorders are to do with the upper limbs or neck, 38% to do with the back, and 17% involve the lower limbs. There is a downward trend of musculoskeletal disorders per 100,000 from 2001 to 2017, but it’s still an issue that must be considered. If one of your students suffers from a musculoskeletal disorder, they might have issues with their attendance.

How can schools take action?

What can schools do to make learning and achieving goals more possible for these students? And potentially reduce the number of days missed from attending school?

Can your pupils complete some of their work at home?

Completing class work exercise at home is one area that you could look into if your students with musculoskeletal disorders have issues with attendance. Provide them with learning materials in a digital format and a face-to-face chat via Skype, to ensure they don’t fall behind which could lead to further pressures and strains.

If the students are not based close by the school, alleviating them from a commute to school every day could be beneficial. Instead, students can stay at home where they may feel more comfortable and get on with their studies — reducing stress and promoting wellbeing.

If you create a system, allowing your students with musculoskeletal disorders to complete their work at home when necessary, they’re likely be more flexible and attend any doctors and physio appointments in their own time. Perhaps their rehabilitation centre is closer to home than it is from school, and less time may be spent getting to and from their sessions than if they were travelling from school lessons.

Can you buy specialist equipment for your students?

To help make your students more comfortable in the classroom, why not buy specialist equipment to help them out? Examples of these include:

  • Sitting or standing desks — Giving students the option of a sitting or standing desk is one way to help. For some, standing upright may be more comfortable than sitting in the same position for a prolonged period.
  • Ergonomic keyboard — These are designed to reduce muscle strain and should be offered to employees. For sufferers of musculoskeletal disorders, tasks that may be easy for some such as using a keyboard, mouse or pen can be difficult for someone who suffers with repetitive strain injury for example. Those with arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome may also struggle with these types of tasks.
  • Lifting assistance — Where lifting and carrying books or art materials is concerned, to and from class or the library for example, offering assistance with heavy lifting can be helpful. A trolley for example can help students transport objects that they might be struggling with. This may relieve shoulder pain for example and can help prevent further injury and strain.
  • Other equipment — By talking to students, teachers can find out about other types of specialist equipment that could be helpful — tailored to each person and their needs.

Could your school offer free therapy?

For back pain relief and mental wellbeing, could you potentially offer your students complementary therapy? Your school may already offer different types of therapy but is it specific to sufferers of musculoskeletal disorders?

This could also help reduce stress levels for individual students and increase the number of days spent in school. There is a clear link between musculoskeletal disorders, mental health and lifestyle productivity. In fact, depression is four times more common amongst people in persistent pain compared to those without pain. Ensuring that all students have someone to talk to if they are feeling under pressure is important and encouraging positive energy throughout your group of students with social events can also help. If students are feeling extra stress, it could be worth looking into hiring extra teaching assistants or referring the students for therapy for example.

Why not encourage yoga lessons too? There are many ways that schools could encourage their students to participate in this exercise — through organised classes at lunchtimes or after work, or through funding the classes. Although expensive, it’s possible that this extra exercise will help manage pain levels and offer relief, boost wellbeing and reduce the number of days missed from school.

Other ways that you can support your students

Making sure that your students feel valued is essential. What else can schools do to support their students with musculoskeletal disorders?

  • Promote good communication inside and outside of school — teachers should take time to learn about each of their students and their individual issues and requirements. This way, appropriate changes can be made within the school environment, which can encourage students to come to their teachers with problems and suggestions.
  • Recognising and being aware of the conditions early on — If a student has recently been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal issue, they should be encouraged to tell their school as soon as possible. This allows for the school to intervene early and get the measures in place that will encourage the student to return to school and learning as soon as they can.
  • Creating a ‘return-to-school’ programme — For those who have sustained an injury, creating a phased return could be beneficial for them. This reduces the risk of them taking a long period of leave from school through appropriate adjustments in their learning environment.
  • If you have someone with such conditions, you must be aware of the triggering factors. Teaching staff should encourage their students to take breaks or move away from their desks/chairs frequently (at least once every hour).

Author bio

Lee Dover is a senior copywriter at Mediaworks with an interest in healthcare as well as researching into healthier ways of living. He has a BA (Hons) in Magazine Journalism.

Sources

http://www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/causdis/musculoskeletal/msd.pdf

https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/ltc-op-eolc/ltc-eolc/our-work-on-long-term-conditions/si-areas/musculoskeletal/

State of Musculoskeletal Health 2017 report — Arthritis Research UK

https://wellbeing.bitc.org.uk/sites/default/files/business_in_the_community_musculoskeletal_toolkit.pdf

Maths, School News

What’s the simple and cost effective way to help maths lessons be more productive,  both for teachers and students…….? 

Every now and again I get to chat with  teachers and one of the topics that often crops up is why some students don’t  bring a pen, pencil, ruler etc to their lessons.  They tell me that this leads to wasted time and a measure of disruption,  even before teaching has begun.

In an attempt to solve this problem there’s  now a  product called the “Value Maths set ” which, as the name suggests, contains all the basics that students need for their  maths lessons.

Consisting of  two quality black ink ballpens, a full length HB pencil, eraser, 15 cm ruler, 180 degree protractor, metal compass and half pencil,  and a sharpener, all packed in an  A5 size, clear PVC “exam friendly” wallet with a zip slider.

From just £ 1.25 each (ex vat) the “Value Maths set”  is a convenient and cost effective solution to the problem of students who haven’t brought the correct kit to their maths lessons.  Ideal to give or sell  to students at the start of lessons or at the start of a school day………  also very useful for exams.

Full details of the “Value Maths set”   can be found on the website:       www.signposteducational.co.uk 

You can order by email:  signpost@talk21.com  or by phone on tel: 020 7515 1797

Signpost Educational Ltd.,   PO Box 999   London   E14 6SH

Primary

What is it that the very best assemblies do at the very start?

Of course there are many answers to that question, but there are two answers that always seem to stand out.

Two issues which, if met, really enhance the chances of the children understanding and remembering the core message within the Assembly.

First there is the issue of how the assembly starts, which determines how much focus the child gives to the proceedings that follow.  And second there is the way the child’s attention is kept, which of course determines if the child follows the proceedings all the way through.

Obviously you don’t need me to tell you this, but the problem is that with the pressure to think up a new assembly every day it is occasionally possible to focus primarily on what the assembly is about, rather than how one is gaining and holding attention.

It was in thinking about this issue of not only providing assemblies that deliver an important and interesting message to the children about their lives, but also of producing assemblies that grabbed and held attention, that my colleagues and I began to work on the Assembly Box.

We wanted to create assemblies that were original, which met the social and emotional needs of the children who attend them, and which grabbed and held the children’s focus from the start to the finish.

In working through this idea we have produced a set of over 350 assemblies with each one categorised and indexed, each of which is instantly available and fully scripted.

You can read a full example of one of our assemblies by following this link.  Additionally you can see the complete list of the categories and from there you can go into each category and see the details of all the assemblies on offer.

All the details are available at http://www.assemblybox.co.uk where you can also order online. The complete set of all of our assemblies costs £149 (+ VAT). If you have any questions please email enquiries@assemblybox.co.uk