Welcome to #SUMitDubai25
Bringing Educators Together to Strengthen Mathematics Teaching
Thursday, 17 April 2025 | University of Birmingham Dubai
Order of the Day
07:30 – 08:30
Registration & Breakfast – Delegates check in and enjoy a light breakfast buffet
08:30 – 08:40
Opening Remarks (Auditorium) – Welcome and overview of the day
08:40 – 09:00
Keynote Address (Auditorium) – High-impact, provocative keynote to set the tone for the day
09:10 – 09:50
Session 1: First set of six workshops (Breakout Rooms)
10:00 – 10:40
Session 2: Second set of six workshops (Breakout Rooms)
11:00 – 11:40
Session 3: Third set of six workshops (Breakout Rooms)
11:50 – 12:30
Session 4: Final set of six workshops (Breakout Rooms)
12:40 – 13:00
Closing Reflections (Auditorium)
13:00 onwards
Lunch available at the venue (self-funded)
Session 1 – 09:10–09:50
Room 1: How curriculum can and should make teachers better – Kieran Mackle (ALTA Education)
Audience: Open to All
Description: In this session, Kieran will explore the fundamental building blocks of effective mathematics curricula—highlighting not only what students need to learn, but also the knowledge teachers need to deliver high-quality maths education. He will unpack how well-designed curriculum materials can support teacher development, clarify pedagogical goals, and align with whole-school improvement priorities, showing that curriculum should help teachers grow just as much as students.
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Kieran Mackle is a Director at ALTA Education. He is a Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher with a keen interest in class-based research and evidence-informed practice. Kieran has led curriculum development in areas of high socio-economic deprivation and has written two books on primary mathematics. He is also the host of the Thinking Deeply about Primary Education podcast and works internationally to support sustained professional development in schools.
Room 2: Building Literacy and Math Skills for Word Problem Success – Sana Syed and Sahar Fakhreddin (Next Generation School)
Audience: Pre-K, Kindergarten, Elementary
Description: Many students struggle with word problems not because of the maths—but because of the reading. This workshop explores strategies that integrate literacy and mathematical thinking, helping young learners decode, comprehend, and succeed with word-rich tasks.
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Sana Syed is Head of Math for Early Years at Next Generation School in Dubai. With over 15 years of experience in early and primary years education, she holds a Master’s in Education from Murdoch University and is passionate about making maths engaging and accessible for all learners.
Sahar Fakhreddin is Head of English for Early Years at Next Generation School in Dubai. She has 10 years of experience in early years education and holds both a PGCEi and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. She is committed to integrating literacy with other learning areas and inspiring both students and colleagues.
Room 3: All You Need to Know About IB Maths AA HL – Yousuf Patel (Nord Anglia International School Dubai)
Audience: High School, IB DP AA HL Teachers
Description: A comprehensive look at the demands of IB Maths AA HL with practical insights to support student success. Yousuf will explore key challenges, helpful strategies, and how to manage pacing and depth without sacrificing conceptual understanding.
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Yousuf Patel is KS4 Coordinator for Mathematics at Nord Anglia International School Dubai. With over 13 years of teaching experience, including four years delivering IB Maths AA HL, he brings deep insight into advanced curriculum demands. He has also taught A Level and Further Maths in both UK and UAE contexts.
Room 4: Unpicking Word Problems – Lorna Hambleton (Brighton College Al Ain)
Audience: Elementary, Middle School
Description: This workshop will encourage teachers to explore the anatomy of a word problem and look at the different cognitive loads associated with various question types. Teachers will leave with practical classroom strategies to help students become more confident and capable when tackling multi-step problems.
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Lorna Hambleton is Head of Maths – Junior School and Head of Year at Brighton College Al Ain. She has 15 years of teaching and leadership experience in the UK and internationally. A Chartered Teacher, she is passionate about using research to create impactful learning experiences and supporting holistic student development.
Room 5: Inquiry and Project-Based Learning – Kyle Stenger (Kent College Dubai)
Audience: Middle & High School
Description: How can we build deeper thinking through inquiry? This workshop looks at the foundations of project-based learning and how it can be applied in mathematics classrooms. Kyle will share real examples of open-ended projects that challenge students to reason, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning.
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Kyle Stenger is Head of Mathematics at Kent College Dubai. He believes that teaching mathematics should go beyond the traditional curriculum to build transferable skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Kyle is passionate about helping students grow as independent learners through meaningful, inquiry-led tasks.
Room 6: Cross-curricular Collaboration as a Tool for Inclusion – Sarah Benson (University of Birmingham Dubai)
Audience: Elementary, Middle School
Description: This workshop will focus on how to create cross-curricular activities that foster collaboration amongst the adults and inclusion for students. Using the inclusive pedagogical approach as a framework, this workshop considers how art can be an entry point for reluctant math learners.
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Dr. Sarah Benson is an associate professor specializing in inclusion and SEN at the University of Birmingham Dubai. She supports initial teacher education and conducts research on policy development, disability, and the arts, driving inclusive educational practices.
Session 2 – 10:00–10:40
Room 1: Teaching for Lasting Learning: Embedding Knowledge That Sticks – Stuart Welsh (ALTA Education)
Audience: Open to All
Description: How can we teach in a way that ensures students retain what they learn—not just for the next test, but so new learning builds on strong foundations? This workshop explores key insights from cognitive science and memory research, translating them into practical teaching strategies that enhance long-term retention. Discover how retrieval practice, spacing, and cognitive load theory can transform your classroom, helping students remember more, for longer. Grounded in evidence and packed with actionable techniques, this workshop will equip you with tools to make learning stick. Perfect for teachers looking to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact in their classrooms.
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Stuart is an expert educator, leader, secondary mathematics specialist and director at ALTA Education. He has successfully supported and led mathematics teams in the UK and internationally. Stuart is a sought-after presenter and keynote speaker and delivers high-quality professional learning to schools and groups of schools around the world. With a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of research-based pedagogy, cognitive science and effective leadership, Stuart is passionate about learning and improving education through collaboration.
Room 2: Foundations of Number Sense: Exploring Mathematical Models in the Early Years – Lorraine Costello (Raha International School, Khalifa City Campus)
Audience: Pre-K, Kindergarten
Description: This workshop explores how young learners develop number sense through mathematical models and hands-on activities. Participants will engage in strategies such as subitising, dot talks, finger patterns, and multi-link cube explorations to see how concrete and visual representations support a deep understanding of numbers. Emphasising flexibility and number relationships, this workshop aims to provide Early Years teachers with a range of practical, classroom-ready strategies that can be easily implemented within mathematics lessons.
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Lorraine Costello is the PYP Math Lead and a homeroom teacher at an international IB school in Abu Dhabi. With ten years of teaching experience in Ireland and a Master of Education in primary mathematics, she is passionate about helping teachers enhance their practices and guiding students to develop a deep understanding of real-world mathematical concepts.
Room 3: What’s the Point of Homework? – Kerry Conlon (Kent College Dubai)
Audience: High School
Description: This discussion-based workshop explores the role of homework in the age of AI. Where is our time best spent, and how can we ensure students gain real value from homework? Join us to reflect on purpose, impact, and how to design meaningful tasks that support learning.
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Kerry Conlon has nearly 20 years of experience teaching in the UAE across diverse curricula. As Deputy Head at Kent College Dubai, she specializes in Data and Assessment while passionately teaching A Level Mathematics to Year 12 students.
Room 4: Cancelled Workshop
Session Update: This workshop has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We encourage you to attend one of the other workshops running at this time.
Room 5: Visualizing Math for Deeper Understanding – Ingy Galal Fahmy (American School of Creative Science)
Audience: Middle & High School
Description: Explore how hands-on and visual approaches can deepen students’ understanding of algebra. This interactive session features strategies like Algebra Tiles to make abstract concepts more accessible, with ideas for differentiation, engagement, and effective use of digital tools.
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Ingy Galal Fahmy is a dedicated middle school math teacher with over 20 years of experience, leveraging her engineering background and innovative teaching strategies to make math engaging and accessible. As a Microsoft Expert Educator and Trainer, she employs technology and hands-on approaches to deepen students’ understanding of mathematical concepts.
Room 6: Hooked on Maths: Engaging Hooks to Spark Excitement in Maths – Helen Sale and Katie Maher (Kent College Dubai)
Audience: Kindergarten, Elementary
Description: This practical workshop explores how to spark curiosity and excitement at the start of maths lessons. Using real-life connections and everyday objects, it offers creative strategies for making maths engaging and relevant. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use ideas for effective lesson hooks that inspire junior learners.
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Helen Sale has over 20 years of teaching experience and leads primary maths at Kent College Dubai. She specialises in hands-on, collaborative learning and developing mathematical language, with a strong focus on manipulatives and foundational understanding to build confident, capable learners.
Katie Maher teaches across Key Stage 1 and 2 and leads maths at Kent College Dubai. She champions curriculum alignment, cross-curricular connections, and technology integration. Through coaching and professional development, she supports teachers to deliver inclusive, high-impact maths lessons for all learners.
Session 3 – 11:00–11:40
Room 1: Beyond the Right Answer: Teaching for Deep Mathematical Thinking – Stuart Welsh (ALTA Education)
Audience: Open to All
Description: Great teaching goes beyond getting students to the correct answer—it uncovers their thinking, deepens understanding, and fosters curiosity. Led by Stuart Welsh, Director of ALTA Education, this workshop explores how purposeful prompts, effective questioning, and visual models can strengthen students’ mathematical reasoning. Participants will learn strategies to scaffold abstract concepts, encourage discussion, and refine critical thinking through boundary cases and counterexamples. Packed with practical techniques and real-world insights from Stuart’s work with schools worldwide, this session will help teachers create a classroom where students don’t just answer questions but truly think mathematically.
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Stuart is an expert educator, leader, secondary mathematics specialist and director at ALTA Education. He has successfully supported and led mathematics teams in the UK and internationally. Stuart is a sought-after presenter and keynote speaker and delivers high-quality professional learning to schools and groups of schools around the world. With a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of research-based pedagogy, cognitive science and effective leadership, Stuart is passionate about learning and improving education through collaboration.
Room 2: Mathematical Explorations: From Foundational Thinking to Augmented Reality – Katherine Riding, Rimsha Irfan, Abdullah al Amin, Balkis Dohni and Mohamad Zalzale (University Of Birmingham Dubai)
Audience: Middle School, High School, Mathematics Leaders
Description: This workshop explores the practical applications of mathematics in everyday problem-solving, investigating how thinking processes shape problem perception, expectations, and abilities. Moving beyond abstract approaches, we highlight how tools like augmented reality (AR) can enhance our understanding and the optimization of everyday objects. The session will also examine whether mathematics alone is sufficient for solving such problems and the broader implications of mathematical conclusions.
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Katherine Riding, Rimsha Irfan, Abdullah al Amin, Balkis Dohni, and Mohamad Zalzale form a team of experienced educators with expertise in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. They teach foundation year students preparing for engineering, computer science, and biomedical science degrees at the University of Birmingham Dubai, emphasizing innovative cross-disciplinary learning.
Room 3: STEM in Math – Marina Jansen (Al Ghaf School)
Audience: All Levels
Description: This Workshop explores the integration of STEM in mathematics education, highlighting its role in preparing students for careers requiring STEM skills. Participants will discover connections between mathematics and STEM fields and explore interactive strategies that enhance teaching and learning.
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Marina Jansen is an experienced educator with 25 years of teaching expertise, including 14 years with diverse, multilingual learners. Currently Head of Mathematics at Al Ghaf Bloom Charter School, she is dedicated to fostering student-led learning and empowering teachers through innovative, inclusive, and hands-on math curricula.
Room 4: Action Research Network: Assessing the Value of Community-Driven Educational Improvement – Phil Anderson (University of Birmingham Dubai)
Audience: All Levels, Mathematics Leaders
Description: This workshop outlines a community-driven approach to improvement using action research. Phil will share how UAE-based teachers are using research to change classroom practice and how you can get involved. A great fit for anyone interested in sustainable, grassroots professional learning.
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Phil Anderson is Assistant Professor at the University of Birmingham Dubai. He runs the UAE-based Action Research Network and brings a background in both secondary teaching and the arts. His research focuses on creativity in education, digital pedagogies, and empowering teachers through research-informed practice.
Room 5: Teaching and Learning in Mathematics – Eslam Elegl (Gems World Academy Abu Dhabi)
Audience: Middle School, High School, Mathematics Leaders
Description: This session offers practical strategies to enhance maths teaching and leadership. Explore engaging lesson openers, tools for building conceptual understanding, and approaches to authentic assessment. The workshop also covers self-regulation, reflection, and feedback to support student ownership and create meaningful, student-centred learning experiences.
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Eslam Elegl is a dedicated MYP/DP Mathematics leader with over 14 years of experience. He holds degrees in Mathematics and Curriculum and Teaching Methods, and is pursuing further qualifications in Special Needs Education and leadership. Eslam champions inquiry-based learning and technology integration to create engaging, meaningful math lessons.
Room 6: AI Generated Maths Questions and Answers – Greg Roberts (Kent College Dubai)
Audience: Middle School, High School, Mathematics Leaders
Description: The workshop will explore how AI can be used. It will be a practical hands on session, so attendee’s should bring their laptop and smartphones. A chatgpt login will be required. The session aims to show what AI can be used for, as well as highlighted its current limitations. .
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Greg Roberts is a maths teacher and Assistant Head at Kent College Dubai. He closely monitors developments in AI, balancing optimism about its educational benefits with a pragmatic approach to its integration into classroom learning.
Session 4 – 11:50–12:30
Room 1: Enhancing Maths Teaching and Student Agency with AI-Powered Lesson Planning – Gurbinder Mander (Nord Anglia International Dubai)
Audience: Elementary, Middle School, High School, Mathematics Leaders
Description: This workshop will demonstrate how AI-powered lesson planning and prep empowers you as mathematics teachers, to streamline workflows, allowing you to spend more time facilitating deeper learning. We will explore practical, curriculum-linked use cases of generative AI tools that boost student engagement, creativity, and agency, while simultaneously reducing teacher workload.
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Gurbinder Mander is the Head of Computer Science at Nord Anglia International School Dubai. He integrates artificial intelligence into education to foster student agency, digital governance, and safeguarding. Passionate about innovation, he developed Swift Teach, an AI-driven platform providing curriculum-aligned resources, while promoting digital wellbeing and leveraging E-sports to boost engagement.
Room 2: Conceptual Understanding: What, How and Why? – Will Mcloughlin (British International School Abu Dhabi)
Audience: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Description: What does it mean to truly understand maths? This workshop explores research and strategies for developing conceptual understanding. Participants will reflect on why it matters, how to recognise it in students, and how a focus on concepts benefits both learners and teachers. Optional pre-reading: https://addvancemaths.com/conceptual-research/
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Will Mcloughlin is a secondary maths teacher in Abu Dhabi with 7 years of experience. He developed addvancemaths.com, a free revision resource for IGCSE and IB Maths, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education with a focus on cognitive psychology, mathematical pedagogy, and EdTech.
Room 3: Measuring Progress in Maths: The Role of Adaptive Teaching and Assessment Strategies – Abdushakuuru Ssali (Wales International School)
Audience: All Levels, Mathematics Leaders
Description: This workshop explores effective strategies for measuring student progress in mathematics through a combination of adaptive teaching, formative and summative assessments, and technology integration. It builds on the importance of tracking student learning, identifying gaps, and using data-driven insights to refine instructional approaches.
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Abdushakuuru Ssali is a mathematics educator with over 7 years of experience who has taken on leadership roles, including head of department and head of school. He has authored articles on EAL interventions and adaptive teaching in math lessons, demonstrating a strong commitment to research and innovative practices.
Room 4: Maths Anxiety or Maths Ability? Unraveling the Puzzle of Learning and Emotion – Berna Bouwer (GEMS Education)
Audience: Open to all
Description: When a student struggles with maths, is it down to ability, or is anxiety getting in the way? This workshop explores the link between maths anxiety, learning difficulties, and executive functioning. We’ll look at how the brain’s stress responses—fight, flight, or freeze—can hijack working memory and problem-solving, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. By understanding these neurobiological patterns, teachers can better spot what’s really going on and respond with strategies that reduce stress, build confidence, and support mathematical learning..
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Berna Bouwer is the Corporate Head of Inclusion at GEMS Education, with over 20 years of experience across teaching, leadership, and educational psychology. She specialises in inclusion, EAL, and supporting students with diverse learning needs in schools across South Africa, the UK, and the UAE.
Room 5: Intelligent Practice: Smart Ideas to Write Better Questions – Jamie Smart (Raha International School, GC, Abu Dhabi)
Audience: Elementary, Middle School, High School
Description: Boost your maths teaching with research-informed strategies inspired by Craig Barton’s work on Intelligent Practice and Variation Theory. Learn to sequence problems thoughtfully, highlight critical mathematical relationships, and help students make meaningful connections between concepts. Leave with practical techniques that deepen understanding and reduce planning time.
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Jamie Smart is an experienced mathematics educator with international expertise in the UK, Qatar, China, and the UAE. He has taught a wide range of levels from KS3 to IB Diploma and AP Calculus, and is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching, known for his practical insights into intelligent question design.
Room 6: Unlock the Power of Mathematical Manipulatives: Bridging Hands-On and Digital Learning – Carla Stevens (Rashid and Latifa School / challenge ME)
Audience: All Levels, Mathematics Leaders
Description: Explore how to make the most of both physical and digital manipulatives to deepen understanding and boost engagement in maths. This hands-on workshop offers practical strategies to support effective pedagogy, promote student choice, and spark curiosity through meaningful, interactive learning.
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Carla Stevens is a seasoned mathematics educator with nearly two decades of international experience. Specializing in innovative teaching approaches, she has trained teachers, developed curricula, and led diverse educational projects globally. As co-founder of challenge ME and currently leading Mathematics at Rashid and Latifa School in Dubai, Carla brings global insights and a passion for enhancing math education.
Thanks for being part of #SUMitDubai25!
This page will be updated with resources, slides, and more after the event.