The backbone of Axiom’s approach is maths circles. These are small groups of pupils who meet weekly to tackle a curriculum of challenging maths problems. It’s an approach that’s worked successfully in other countries, and which Axiom is bringing to the UK. The beauty of maths circles is that they’re about the relationships as much as the maths.
In maths circles, pupils:
- Work through a structured curriculum of challenging problems. They’re exposed to mathematics from beyond the National Curriculum, that takes them deep into stretching and satisfying topics they wouldn’t normally encounter at school
- Get stuck, and then unstuck. They get used to encountering problems that they don’t get right first time—and so the satisfaction of solving them is even greater
- Find themselves in a sense of flow. In maths circles there’s no pressure, no test. You get lost in the maths
- Join a community that values maths. In a culture that doesn’t always prize maths in the way it should, Axiom pupils join a social group that values and respects their talent
Pupils on the Axiom Maths programme attend maths circles once a week during term time. These are run by a combination of school and Axiom staff.
Where do maths circles come from?
The maths circles approach originated in the former Soviet Union, but has been adopted successfully around the globe. Many of the world’s most successful mathematicians trace their journey back to a childhood maths circle. Maths circles exist outside of, but working alongside, the formal education system. Pupils attend by choice because they want to be there and enjoy the experience. Whilst many pupils in maths circles might enter competitions, they are a collaborative and not a competitive space. Maths circles are to maths lessons like band practice is to music lessons. They complement, and do not replace, maths instruction in a classroom.
Why do maths circles work?
Maths circles allow pupils to immerse themselves in recreational maths. The content is challenging, but also satisfying. They give pupils:
- A different experience of doing maths. In a maths circle every problem is enjoyed for its own sake. Pupils find themselves in a sense of flow where they get lost in a problem. There is no external pressure, no timer, no test. Pupils are not ranked or measured against each other. They get to explore interesting maths for no reason other than that it’s exciting to do so. This environment nurtures passion and interest, and keeps pupils wanting to succeed in maths.
- A supportive social group where maths is valued. Too many pupils feel like they need to hide their mathematical talent in order to fit in. Maths circles create a space where pupils who enjoy maths can meet together and encourage each other’s interest. They support each other, and help each other to succeed.
Maths circles are the medium, but content also matters. Read about our curriculum here.
You can also try our sample maths circle session here to get a flavour of what it’s like to work with Axiom Maths.