Creating the Right Atmosphere

This resource from Teachers TV looks at why the mathematics department of Oaks Park High School, in Essex, counts recreational mathematics and good teamwork as central to its success.

According to Ofsted, few secondary students cite mathematics as their favourite subject, even those who are doing very well. Staff at Oaks Park are working hard to reverse this trend and Mark McCourt, from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, is impressed by the effort the department makes to ensure that everyone who visits is encouraged to think mathematically.

Since its launch in 2001, recreational mathematics has played a central role in school life. At lunchtimes students play chess and solve puzzles, while activities such as World Maths Day, which provides an opportunity for millions of students to play mental operations against each other regardless of their ability, creates an air of excitement within the department. Stephen Froggatt, Head of Mathematics at the school, explains that to ensure engagement in lessons, students do not sit and watch but are interactive and involved throughout the lesson.

Staff are free to observe each other's lessons and share good practice while the good relationships between staff ensure that any problems encountered are quickly resolved. Following comments from an Ofsted inspection in 2003 the department was structured so that everyone has a part to play in its operation and development, which staff find very rewarding.