The Axiom Maths programme is at its best when a whole team of people come together with a shared passion for helping pupils with the heart and head for maths realise the potential of their power. MExCs and mentors do the significant majority of the work that makes maths circles successful, but if the following people are engaged with the programme too, it can truly thrive at your school.
SLT
When you choose to work with Axiom Maths, we ask for a named contact from your school’s Senior Leadership Team. They will sign the contract agreeing your commitment to the programme. They will also receive a termly newsletter informing them of programme updates and exciting opportunities that might be applicable to your school. Your school’s SLT contact should understand and champion Axiom Maths across the school and support the MExC to lead the programme effectively.
Whether you are a MExC, a mentor or if you have nominated pupils for the online programme, take any opportunity you have to update them on the programme and its impact. You could even invite them to join a session and see for themselves what a maths circle is all about.
The wider maths department
Even if they do not mentor a circle themselves, teachers across the maths department are invaluable for setting up and maintaining your maths circles. They should be included in conversations about pupil recruitment, and they can act as champions for the programme through quick check-in conversations with pupils enrolled on the programme.
Year 6 Teachers and Transition Leads
Teachers who taught your incoming pupils at primary school can be invaluable when recruiting your Year 7 cohort. They'll have already spotted pupils with the heart and head for maths, often before their Year 7 maths teachers even meet them. MExCs can involve Year 6 teachers or transition leads in conversations about identifying pupils with the potential to thrive in a maths circle
Pupil Premium Lead
Our mission at Axiom Maths is to help pupils with the heart and head for maths realise the potential of their power. We believe that this power is for everyone, regardless of background. At least 30% of pupils attending your maths circle should be eligible for pupil premium. This can be a challenge, so enlisting the help of your Pupil Premium Lead can be invaluable.
If they are informed about the programme, they can help you to identify the pupils who will benefit most and support you to remove barriers for those who might struggle to attend their maths circle.
Finance Manager
We fund schools around £3,000 to run the programme. This can be spent in any way that furthers the programme and builds a culture where excellence in maths is prized. Keep your Finance Manager informed of the amount they can expect to receive and when.
Data Manager
Axiom Maths is a data-driven organisation. We use data to ensure that the programme runs effectively and is constantly improving.
Before adding pupils to the hub, familiarise yourself with the data we collect and why (see the Data section of this programme guide). You will also need to keep your Data Manager informed and share these helpful documents with them: