Shanghai duo visit maths hub at Denbigh school in Milton Keynes

Teachers Yin Min and Shen Jiawen were warmly welcomed by the Hub and by their placement venue Greenleas School in Leighton Buzzard as part of a long-term exchange project to introduce expert approaches to teaching mathematics in English Schools.

During their two-week visit, the teachers are working alongside Sheila Quinn at Greenleas.

Sheila went on a research trip herself last month, meeting students and teachers at Yangpu Primary School and a primary school affiliated to the University of Shanghai for Science.

Denbigh School headteacher Andy Squires said: “Shanghai students have long been recognised among some of the most accomplished in mathematics in the world, borne out in the recently published PISA results.

“The aim of the exchange is to share best practice and to improve the way in which UK students study mathematics. This unique programme is the third exchange that Denbigh has facilitated and has been advantageous in building relationships and sharing best practice between our two countries. It will have a positive impact on the learning of our students.”

Greenleas School headteacher Rebecca Clarke agrees. She said: “Yin Min and Shen Jiawen have been in the classroom teaching mathematical strategies helping teachers improve further on their educational standards. They have engaged the students, enabling them to be better equipped to improve their studying and enhance their development in mathematics.”

The Enigma Maths Hub, based at Denbigh School, is one of 35 Maths Hubs nationally supporting such initiatives and is funded by the Department of Education and coordinated by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM).