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MathsConf4

Wow is the first word that comes to mind to summarise #MathsConf4, which was held in the beautiful and amazing venue of the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. This is my second maths conference event and I came away feeling reinvigorated and truly inspired. Unfortunately I didn't get to go see everything I would of liked because there were too many amazing workshops I wanted to attend. However to me this is the sign of an 'outstanding' conference, when it is hard to make a decision on workshops because they all look amazing.

The day started with me presenting on the importance of independence. I hadn't been well in the run up to this event however I didn't want to let people down. I'm so glad I didn't stay at home. This was an amazing experience for me and I hope all those who attended took something away from the session, no matter how big or small. I am in Reading this weekend presenting at another conference, after this I plan to write a more detailed post about my session. Although in the mean time some details can be found in my blog article on independence here.

I would like to thank everyone for your kind words about my workshop, resources and site throughout the day. This meant a lot to me, and has spurred me on to get my next batch of resources uploaded quicker to help and support people. Thank you to the person who gave me the purple pen as a thank you gift. My year 10 marking was brightened up with it's use today

The first session I attended was on 'The best of the USA', this was great in highlighting many hidden gem tweeters, blogs and websites, which could have a real positive impact on my teaching practice. I look forward to having some time to dig out the list (that is in my suitcase) and explore what these sites have to offer in greater detail. A key feature of one was the use of videos to stimulate mathematical discussion points.

There was of course the tweet up next where I met teachers from across he country and friends from previous events. With a series of bases around the room with activities and prizes of 'Hannah's sweets', what more could a person want? A huge shout out to fellow members of the 'tweet up' team who can be seen in the photo with their T-shirts.

Don't forget to stay involved on twitter with #mathscpdchat Tuesday 8pm, #MathsChat Wednesday 8pm and #MathsTLP Sunday 7-8pm. For more information on twitter and chats see my blog post here, 'The five W's of Social Media and Blogging'.

Let's not forget the generic maths fun that we have at maths conferences with 'banter' and cake making. Well done to @MrsDenyer for winning the cake competition this time with her pi cake and Hannah's sweets.

The final workshop I attended was ran by Amir @workedgechaos on 'how to lead'. This is a subject I was very interested in, particularly with my new job at Acklam Grange School as Maths Lead Practitioner and Numeracy Coordinator. Amir gave some great advice, he didn't give a one size fits all solution. Instead he gave the best advice money can buy and that is advice from experience. Amir's open and honest approach about his journey into leadership hit home and also gave me many pointers of what to do and what not to do. He also gave me food for thought, new pathways to look into and way of recording information for myself. This session was extremely useful and valuable.

I'm hoping to expand on this blog as time permits, however for now this is my very brief summary on #MathsConf4.