The SAALED webinar, Beyond Worksheets: Creative Maths Assessments, presented by educator and lecturer Qwanita Burger, was a thoughtful and inspiring session that encouraged teachers to rethink how mathematics is taught, experienced and assessed. Framed around moving beyond traditional worksheet driven practice, the webinar explored more meaningful ways to make student thinking visible, deepen conceptual understanding, and strengthen problem solving and reasoning in mathematics.

Throughout the session, Qwanita made a compelling case for why mathematics teaching should move beyond procedural paper-based tasks alone. Her presentation highlighted the limitations of worksheets when used in isolation and instead emphasised conceptual understanding, strategic problem solving, discussion, reasoning, real world application and the development of mathematical confidence. She also unpacked the importance of assessment for learning, showing how formative assessment can help teachers better understand student thinking and provide feedback that genuinely moves learning forward.

One of the most memorable aspects of the webinar was how wonderfully interactive it was. Participants were invited to engage from the outset through a live Menti meter check in, and the session continued in a highly practical and participatory way. Rather than simply presenting theory, Qwanita involved attendees in rich discussion, video-based examples, and an activity that challenged them to rethink a traditional worksheet task by identifying its cognitive level, transforming it into a richer mathematical experience, and then sharing and reflecting on their ideas together. This hands-on approach meant that educators left with strategies they could immediately take back into their own classrooms and learning spaces.

The webinar also showed how these ideas can be applied across all phases, from playful, manipulative based learning in the Foundation Phase to open ended investigations in the Intermediate Phase, and analytical modelling, debate and project work in the Senior and FET Phases. It was a refreshing reminder that rich mathematical tasks can increase engagement, reduce anxiety, build deeper understanding and better prepare students for both examinations and life beyond the classroom.

Adding to the excitement, several attendees walked away with awesome 3D printed prizes that will no doubt support learning in their various spaces. Congratulations to the winners: Kayla Harris, Kim Lee, Greg Heffer and Tina Macleod