There is no particular order in which to try the Case Studies. This is for teachers to determine for themselves in the light of their programmes of work and teaching schedule. In Portraits of the Case Studies, in the section “About Bowland Maths”, there is a lot of information about what each Case Study covers, what it can be used for and how they differ. The NCETM website has an area where teachers exchange their experiences and views.

There is no particular order in which to try the Case Studies. This is for teachers to determine for themselves in the light of their programmes ...

For most of the Case Studies, any one of the three would be possible, depending on when in their teaching schedule teachers choose to use it. See Portraits of the Case Studies – and the introductory material for each Case itself. In addition, many of the Case Studies cover a range of topics, so may introduce some, consolidate others and revise yet others. The use of any one Case Study can only be a matter of judgement for the teacher. A few of the Case Studies have an emphasis on one or more aspects of the ‘Content’ part of the Programme of Study and for those, some introductory teaching may be beneficial. Also since problem solving is about building and using connections between topics, the Case Studies can be used to help consolidate/revise several topics at the same time.

For most of the Case Studies, any one of the three would be possible, depending on when in their teaching schedule teachers choose to use it. See Portraits of the Case Studies...

The Case Studies have good links to many aspects of the new Programme of Study for Key Stage 3. This is shown graphically in the charts within the Portraits of the Case Studies. Between them, the Case Studies cover all the aspects of the Programme of Study, and particularly the Key Concepts and Key Processes. Teachers who only use their old curriculum may have some difficulties with these new elements.

The Case Studies have good links to many aspects of the new Programme of Study for Key Stage 3...

No. Because they can be tackled using mathematics at a range of technical levels, many of the case studies are suitable for use in primary schools, although perhaps better suited to the more advanced pupils. Similarly, many of them can also be used in Key Stage 4 and in FE Colleges, not least for revision purposes. See the Portraits of the Case Studies.

No. Because they can be tackled using mathematics at a range of technical levels, many of the case studies...

These examinations will be changing over the next few years to reflect the new elements in the Programmes of Study for Key Stages 3 and 4, notably the Key Concepts and Key Processes. The case studies focus on these new elements. Based around practical problems, they are the essence of functional mathematics and will help teachers and their pupils get ahead of the game.

These examinations will be changing over the next few years to reflect the new elements in the Programmes ...

Yes. A number of the Case Studies can be done in that way – pupils should certainly be encouraged to explore them. However, many of the Case Studies include discussions between pupils and/or work better if pupils work in teams – and with teacher support. (See Portraits of the Case Studies)

Yes. A number of the Case Studies can be done in that way – pupils should certainly ...

There are five PD modules which between them cover the main pedagogical challenges involved in the Case Studies – and in the new Programme of Study. Each module includes PDFs of the print materials, video and software. They are designed for use by groups of teachers but can be used by individuals as there is comprehensive on-screen guidance. The PD materials are available both from the website and from the DVD that is being made available free to all KS3 schools in England. There is also an introduction to the Bowland materials for potential trainers, organised by the two professional maths teaching associations (ATM and MA) – see question 10.

There is no particular order in which to There are five PD modules which between them cover the main pedagogical challenges involved in the Case Studies ...

No. The case studies can be used without doing any of the PD modules. However, the Case Studies do present pedagogical challenges that will be new to many maths teachers, so it is a good idea to have an early look at the PD module on Handling unstructured problems. Also, the PD modules are based around shorter problems of the same type as in the Case Studies, which can fit into a single lesson and so offer a gentler introduction to this kind of work.

No. The case studies can be used without doing any of the PD modules. However, the Case Studies ...

Yes. The modules have been designed so that they work both for groups of teachers as well as for individuals on their own. However, because the modules are built around activities and discussion, they are probably more effective, and more fun, if undertaken in a group. If that is not possible, the modules can certainly be used by an individual. Those working on their own may find helpful the PD discussion forum on the NCETM web site.

Yes. The modules have been designed so that they work both for groups of teachers as well as for individuals ...

The professional associations provided a series of training the trainers events. Training for teachers is available from some of those who attended these training sessions; for names of possible providers in your region, please contact your regional NCETM advisor.

The professional associations provided a series of training the trainers events. Training for teachers is available...

At the moment, no, but the possibility is being explored; watch this space.

At the moment, no, but the possibility is being explored; ...

Up to five DVDs are now available for all schools in England with KS3 maths classes. Local Authority maths consultants can order them for the schools in their area, up to five DVDs per school, depending on the numbers of KS3 maths classes. In exceptional circumstances, individual schools will be able to request additional copies; see ‘Order the Bowland DVD’ on the web site.

Up to five DVDs are now available for all schools in England with KS3 maths classes. Local Authority maths consultants can order them for the schools in their area, up to five DVDs per school, depending ...

Yes. All the Bowland materials are free on the web to all schools in the UK. In addition, the Bowland Trust is making up to 5 DVDs of the materials available free to all schools in England which have KS3 maths classes, which includes any independent school in England. Any independent school requiring (up to five) copies of the DVD should request them via the ‘Order the Bowland DVD’ button on the website.

Yes. All the Bowland materials are free on the web to all schools in the UK. In addition, the Bowland Trust is making...

Yes. some of the materials are suitable for top sets in Primary schools and some for GCSE level classes (including, for example, some FE provision). Any such school/college (in England) can request a copy of the DVD by completing the form on this website ('Order the Bowland DVD'), explaining their position in the 'Special Instructions' box.

Yes. some of the materials are suitable for top sets in Primary schools and some for GCSE level classes...

For schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Case Studies are available free on the website, but a charge will be made for copies of the DVD. For schools outside the UK, a charge will be made for access the materials on the website and/or to receive copies of the DVD. An order form is on the website under ‘Not based in the England?’. Any net income arising from such charges will be reinvested in the development of new Bowland materials.

For schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Case Studies are available ...

In substance, nothing. The web version includes everything that is on the DVD. Many of the Case Studies can be explored “online” from the website – but a few have to be downloaded and unpacked first, and a couple of the downloads are quite large. The DVD version avoids the need for downloading and unpacking; it also lets you run all the materials without a live internet connection - although there are some links to online materials for further reading which clearly require a web connection. The DVD also provides improved quality of the video materials. Of course, any new Case Studies developed after the release of the DVD (1 ^st September '08) will only be available from the website.

In substance, nothing. The web version includes everything that is on the DVD. Many of the Case Studies can be explored “online” from the website ...

Double-click ReadMe (a PDF file) for further instructions and details of any additional hardware or software you may need to use. Double-click "start" (which may be shown as start.exe, start.doc or start.html) to "launch" the Case Study. Exactly what type of file "start" is and how it opens varies from case to case. If this does not work, have a look at ReadMe. Please also note that all the Case Studies require a way of opening PDF files. Most computers will already have this facility installed; if not - Adobe Reader is available free (from www.adobe.com)

Double-click ReadMe (a PDF file) for further instructions and details of any additional ...

Bowland Maths is on a DVD-ROM which contains the software and data for a PC or a Mac; there is the equivalent of about 5 CD-ROMs. You need a computer with a DVD-ROM drive - which have been common on PCs for some time (rather than the older CD-ROM drives). You do not need, and indeed cannot use, a domestic DVD player (one that connects to a TV); Bowland Maths does not require the software that PCs need to play DVD movie discs. Also (unlike most DVD movies) you can copy the entire DVD to your hard drive or to a shared area on your school network.

Bowland Maths is on a DVD-ROM which contains the software and data for a PC or a Mac; there is the equivalent ...

If you have a school network, you can ask your ICT support (or network administrator) to copy the entire DVD-ROM to the network. Alternatively, each Case Study is in a self-contained directory which can be copied to your network or transferred to other computers using a recordable CD or a USB memory stick. The PD modules are rather larger, but if you go to the "Resources index" for any PD module you will find files containing just the software and data needed by pupils in the classroom sessions.

If you have a school network, you can ask your ICT support (or network administrator) to copy ...

Yes, you are free to copy the materials to support their use within your school, including making them available on your local network/VLE.

It is up to you whether you copy the entire DVD to your network or just the individual case studies (each of which is contained within its own folder on the DVD).

Unfortunately, the technical details of networking systems and VLEs vary enormously, so we can not offer detailed "how to" instructions. The technical requirements of each case study are given in the DVD booklet and the ReadMe files in the downloads.

Yes, you are free to copy the materials to support their use within your school, including making them available on your local network/VLE....

This varies from case to case: some are self-contained or just consist of PDF files or web pages; others need office software, but can be used with free alternatives (such as OpenOffice) or with viewers available from the Microsoft website. A few depend specifically on Microsoft Word or Excel or Powerpoint. See the Case Study introductions (or the ReadMe file in the download) for details. The PD materials can be used without MS Office.

This varies from case to case: some are self-contained or just consist of PDF files or web pages; others ...

All the PD materials and about three quarters of the individual Case Studies are Mac compatible. If you run the Bowland Player on a Mac you will be offered Mac-compatible versions where they are available.

All the PD materials and about three quarters of the individual Case Studies are Mac ...

We have not had the capacity to test Bowland Maths under Linux, so can offer no guarantees – and some Case Studies are PC/Windows specific, but many of the web-based materials should work on Linux, provided the Adobe Flash player plug-in is installed. This includes the PD modules and those Case Studies that offer a “View Case Study” button.’.

We have not had the capacity to test Bowland Maths under Linux, so can offer no guarantees – and Some Case Studies are PC/Windows specific, ...

Yes. A second (smaller) group of Case Studies is being considered - which would also be for KS3. These are currently planned to be released through the website during 2009.

Yes. A second (smaller) group of case studies is being considered - which ...

Bowland will be developing new Case Studies during 2008/9 and is certainly open to new suggestions. Suggestions should be made on the form available on the ‘Feedback’ button on the Home page of the Bowland Maths website.

Bowland will be developing new Case Studies during 2008/9 and is certainly open to new ...

The Bowland Trust currently has no plans (or funds) explicitly to extend the concept to other Key Stages. However, many of the current Case Studies can already be used by Key Stages 2 and 4, as well as by Further Education.

The Bowland Trust currently has no plans (or funds) explicitly to extend the concept to other Key ...

No; but it should be possible for teachers to use some of the Case Studies in special schools with only limited adaptation.

No; but it should be possible for teachers to use some ...

Yes. The Bowland Trust is funding the development of some Bowland-style assessments. These will start to become available in 2009. There are two aspects: First, we are exploring the scope for building some form of assessment into the Case Studies themselves. Second, we have commissioned work to design and develop some assessment items and tests using the same Bowland principles. In the light of the new emphasis on teacher assessment of pupils (following the cancellation of KS3 SATs, these materials should be especially helpful to teachers as they are also consistent with the the new Programme of Study for KS3.

Yes. The Bowland Trust is funding the development of some Bowland-style assessments. These will start to become available in 2009. There are two aspects ...

In addition to commissioning a small number of additional Case Studies on topics not adequately covered so far, we will monitor the feedback on the NCETM website to see if any of the current Case Studies need adjustment. We are also developing assessment materials designed on the same principles as the Case Studies - and as the new Programme of Study.

In addition to commissioning a small number of additional Case Studies on topics not adequately covered so far, we will monitor the feedback ...

It is a Charitable Trust established by Tony Cann, the founder of Promethean, with the aim of improving education, mainly in the UK. The Trust has also supported other education initiatives, in particular the establishment of the Institute of Effective Learning at York University.

It is a Charitable Trust established by Tony Cann, the founder of Promethean, with the aim of improving education...

In the initial stages of the work, the (then) DfES made matching funding available to the Bowland Trust and a representative sat on the Advisory Group. However, the Bowland Trust had full responsibility for the design, content and development of the project and the materials.

In the initial stages of the work, the (then) DfES made matching funding available to the Bowland Trust and a representative...

Quentin Thompson (Chair): Advisor to the Bowland Trust; former head of education consultancy at PwC
Margaret Brown: Professor of Mathematics Education, Kings College London
Tony Cann: Founder of the Bowland Trust
Celia Hoyles: Director NCETM; Professor of Mathematics Education, Institute of Education, University of London; former Chief Government Advisor on Mathematics
Alice Onion: Education Adviser; Scholars Consulting
Ian Powell: Chairman of games masters.com
Linton Waters: Mathematics Programme Director, Secondary National Strategy (until Aug 08); Independent maths consultant (since Aug 08)
Denise Walsh: DfES/DCSF representative

Quentin Thompson (Chair): Advisor to the Bowland Trust; former head of education consultancy at PwC...

The Case Studies were developed by a dozen or so different developers, mainly from the UK, but also one from the USA and one from Australia. The developers are listed in ‘The creative team’ in ‘About Bowland maths’ within the Bowland player’ ranged from academic groups to commercial education software and production companies. That is one reason why there is such an interesting variety of problems and styles.

The Case Studies were developed by a dozen or so different developers, mainly from the UK, but also one...

The two professional associations of mathematics teachers contributed to many aspects of the design, testing and quality assurance of the Professional Development materials. They were also responsible for the design and delivery of the Bowland Maths training programme.

The two professional associations of mathematics teachers contributed to many aspects of the design, testing...