Simon Mcintosh, Mathematics leader and foundation teacher, Parkmore Primary School

Simon McIntosh has brought a new edge and growth mindset philosophy to the teaching of mathematics at Parkmore Primary School. Influenced by noted Stanford University Professor Jo Boaler and using the 21st century adaptive assessment tool Essential Assessment, the school has delivered relative growth results that have brought its teaching to the notice of all in its network.

By leading sold-out network professional learning sessions, McIntosh has played a significant role in sharing how the school creates fluid groupings based on students’ shared conceptual misunderstandings, in order to better the teaching of mathematics.

Next year, the school is embarking on a new and innovative whole school mathematical mindset curriculum, utilising the current Victorian Curriculum standards and Parkmore’s own values of working with the concept of nailing the big ideas in number and Professor Boaler’s Mathematical Mindsets research.