Getting started
Start with the practical details. Who's coming, when you'll meet, and where.
When to run your circle
There's no single right answer. The best slot is whichever one your pupils will actually turn up to. Here's how schools make each option work.
- After school: This is the most common choice. It gives you a full, uninterrupted hour, makes it easy for other teachers to remind pupils, and lets parents and carers build it into the weekly routine. Check for clashes with other popular clubs before you commit, as this is one of the most common barriers to attendance.
- Lunchtime: A good option where after-school engagement is low or travel home is a constraint. Sessions are often split across two shorter half-sessions on different days. If you go down this route, give pupils 'skip the lunch queue' passes. Every minute counts!
- Timetabled circles: Running a circle within the school timetable, either by taking pupils out of their usual maths lesson or varying which lessons they miss, maximises attendance by removing practical barriers entirely.
- Before school: This works well where after-school clubs are crowded or the afternoon timetable is hard to navigate. A breakfast circle removes clashes and can work well as two shorter split sessions across the week.
Where to run it
A circle doesn't need a dedicated space. Your classroom, or any room that suits your school, will work. Once you've weighed up the options, decide on the day, time, and location for your circle.
Inviting pupils and building excitement
- Identify the pupils you'd like to invite.
- Let colleagues know about the programme so they can inspire excitement too.
- Use the posters and pupil slides to promote your circle, and run an Axiom Maths assembly with your Year 7s.
- Print a selection of Axiom Maths posters, including the pupil journey infographic, and display them in your classroom.
- Have personal conversations with target pupils, especially those facing disadvantage.
- Send home information letters to parents and carers.
- Run the sample sessions using the materials and training videos, and share the selection problems with colleagues who are helping you choose pupils.
- Finalise your list of participants and confirm attendance with pupils and their parents and carers.
- Remove any practical barriers to attendance, such as transport.
Set up your circle on the Hub
Once you have selected your pupils, upload their information to the Hub and set up your group. (See The Hub section for more information.)
Preparing for your first circle
With the essentials in place, here's how to prepare for session 1.
Do the maths first
- Access and review the Block 1, Session 1 materials on the Hub.
- Work through the problems yourself first then think about how your pupils might approach them.
- Read the mentor guidance notes and watch the introductory video.
- Plan your introduction to the circle, with the 3A behaviours (Adventurous, Articulate, and Accepting) at the centre.
Set up your room
Setting up the room is a small thing that sends a clear signal: this is a different kind of maths! Arrange tables and chairs into a circle or horseshoe before pupils arrive, or ask pupils to do it themselves when they first arrive.
Your resources should be ready to go before pupils walk in, so make sure you have everything you need. Whiteboards and markers are always useful, and snacks are a winner too!
On the day
Send a reminder to pupils and their parents and carers. The period before that first session is when pupils are most likely to drop out, so remove every possible barrier. If some pupils need extra encouragement, consider picking them up from their last lesson.
Running the session
- Welcome your mathematicians and establish your circle routines.
- Present the problems, catalyse conversations, and keep the 3A behaviours central throughout.
- Complete the register on the Hub before or after the session.
After your first circle
From here, a few habits keep your circle thriving week to week.
- Plan ahead for each session.
- Keep in regular contact with parents and carers about how pupils are progressing.
- Monitor engagement and act early on any attendance concerns.
- Reflect after each session and adjust your approach as you go.
Recognise that you are on a journey too
The first few sessions may feel challenging and different to your usual lessons. That's completely normal, so be kind to yourself. You're doing something remarkable for your pupils' mathematical journey.
Week-by-week checklists
Returning MExCs and mentors: reflect, plan, and prepare for the year ahead. Download the action plan here.
New MExCs and mentors: everything you need to set up your maths circles and start the programme strong. Download the checklist here.