Resources and slide decks from the sessions will be linked to Workshop titles as we receive them.
8.30 am Registrations, making connections, tea and coffee, viewing displays
9 am Karakia, Welcome, House keeping
Keynote 1: Rachel Passmore
10.05 am Clusters
10.30 am Morning Tea, making connections, viewing displays
11.00 am Workshop 1
11.55 am Workshop 2
12.45 pm Lunch, making connections, viewing displays
1.40 pm Spot prizes
1.50 pm 2025 Maths Tank
2.10 pm Keynote 2: Subash Chandar K
3 pm Closing address
Rachel Passmore
Changes in the Education Sector: Past, Present and Future
In this plenary, Rachel will share some personal reflections on change in the education sector, experienced as a student, secondary school teacher and foundation education teacher. She will also consider the impact of changes in the education sector overseas and describe some lessons learned in other countries.
As Fullan (2007) wrote, ultimately the success or failure of many changes in the education sector “………depends on what teachers do and think, it is as simple and as complex as that”.
Finally, Rachel will encourage you all to participate in the current and future changes, with a view to achieving better outcomes for all stakeholders.
Using our clusters to connect and share
Dates and times for upcoming cluster meetings will be posted on the AMA website
In this session we will gather in our local cluster groups to reconnect.
For today please join the cluster region for where your school is located.
For those outside Auckland please gather in Room 4
For more information contact admin@aucklandmaths.org.nz with the word "cluster inquiry" in the subject line
Room 1: South Auckland and Counties Manukau
Room 2: East Auckland Schools
Room 3: Central Auckland
Room 4: Orewa, North Shore and those outside Auckland
Room 5: West Auckland
1A: Refreshed draft Curriculum for years 11 - 13 insights
Rachel Cookson/Angela Seyb, MOE
1B: 91945 Insights from moderation in 2024
Karen Gibbs, NZQA - National Assessment Advisor
The presentation will cover unpacking the updated supporting materials, introducing the ten samples on the APT, and clarifying grade boundaries (A/M and M/E) to explain the requirements at each level. Previous internal standards at Level 1 assessed curriculum levels 5 and 6, which has led to issues regarding the suitability of methods for the current standards. The Merit and Excellence criteria are often misunderstood, with outdated interpretations, entrenched in the previous standards, contributing to assessor confusion. These challenges will be addressed by reviewing samples of student evidence in a group setting. This collaborative process will help participants develop a shared understanding of the standard’s requirements and improve moderation outcomes.
1C: Numeracy in South Auckland Schools: Targets, Challenges and Opportunities for Growth
Alan Santos, Papatoetoe High School
Julius Abel Galpao, Papakura High School
This korero explores what it really means to lift numeracy in South Auckland Schools – where our targets meet real classroom contexts through shared research-backed strategies. We will unpack the importance of clear planning, intentional teaching, and using feedback and feedforward mechanisms to support progress of our akonga. Let us have an open discussion about the challenges teachers face, and how this can be turned into opportunities for growth by working together, learning from our learners, and staying grounded in what works for our unique, multicultural communities. The korero will open a space for honest reflection and shared strategies – because raising numeracy outcomes is something we do best when we do it together!
1D: From Surviving to Thriving: Supporting New Math's Teachers in Your Department
Clare Nelson, Hod Edgewater College
New teachers bring fresh energy... but need strong support to thrive. This practical session is for HoDs looking to have discussions and get simple (and sustainable) ideas to support new teachers in their department - walk away with something you can use immediately with your team. Whether you’re mentoring a beginning teacher or supporting someone new to your school, this session will help you create a positive and purposeful start to their journey.
1E: Vertical Learning in Mathematics
Ashok Kumar, Co-Hod Aorere College
Designed to explore how collaborative, student-centered learning can enhance engagement and understanding in mathematics classrooms. This interactive session will introduce Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) and discuss their role in fostering mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and discourse.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities, experience the benefits of standing mathematics, and learn strategies to implement vertical learning effectively. The workshop will also highlight how this approach aligns with different pedagogical approaches such as Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities (DMIC) and supports deeper student inquiry.
2A: Refreshed draft Curriculum for years 11 - 13 insights
Rachel Cookson/Angela Seyb, MOE
2B: 91945 Insights from moderation in 2024
Karen Gibbs, NZQA - National Assessment Advisor
Repeat from 1B
2C: How to address the basic literacy skills in the Numeracy CAA
Jennifer Glen, Simply Lit
This workshop will explore aspects of literacy that have surfaced as issues for students sitting the Numeracy CAA.
Understanding what is needed to answer a question - both in terms of maths and literacy
How to support students to write an explanation that incorporates given data.
understanding the concept that language carries connotation and meaning when writing up explanations
2D: Boosting Pasifika and Maori Achievement
Masina Po’e-Tofaeono, Assistant Hod Epsom Girls Grammar School
Real strategies. Real stories. Real impact.
We all know that strong relationships are key – but do we really know how to build them in ways that drive achievement?
We’ve heard we should set high expectations – but what happens when students don’t show up, disengage, or feel like school isn’t for them?
If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, this workshop is for you.
Join us for a powerful, research-backed session where we dive into what actually works to lift Māori and Pasifika achievement.
2E: Unpacking the Curriculum Junior Mathematics (Years 7 to 10)
Renu Sikka, Curriculum Advisor MoE
A brief overview of Te Mātaiaho framework(focusing on the seven elements of the Whakapapa)
A layout/overview of the Maths Learning Area for Years 0–8, with a closer look at the progress outcomes for Years 7–8
An unpacking of common key kupu from the Science of Learning, including a hands-on activity aimed at Year 9–10 teachers
Integration of maths -arts (STEM- Rich task/Positive realtionship with maths through arts)
A panel of HoDs answers questions from your registration form and gives advice! Do not miss this opportunity!
Ashok Kumar - Aorere College
Tony Stanton - Rutherford College
Eleanor Bram - Kristin School
David Amrein - Rosmini College
Subash Chandar K
Thinking Differently: AI, Maths Pedagogy, and the Future of Learning
As an educator, I’ve been exploring how AI can genuinely enhance teaching and learning, not just as a novelty, but as a tool for deeper thinking. In my own classroom, I’ve used AI to co-design differentiated tasks, generate real-time feedback, and support students in reflecting on their learning.
In this talk, I’ll share practical examples from my teaching and offer ideas for how leaders can approach AI with purpose and curiosity. Together, we’ll look at how AI can reduce workload, personalise learning, and support more inclusive and engaging maths classrooms. This is about thinking differently and leading the way into a future where AI enhances, rather than replaces, great pedagogy.