Now you have secured a place on our exciting Secondary Mathematics training programme, our mission is to empower you, the maths whiz, to become an outstanding Mathematics teacher.
The programme is designed to provide you with a comprehensive toolkit of skills and knowledge to thrive in your new role. We will do this by:
Transforming Your Maths Expertise into Exceptional Teaching:
Subject Knowledge and Curriculum: We'll delve deeper into the fascinating world of mathematics as a discipline, the National Curriculum, and cutting-edge trends in maths education.
Unlocking Student Potential: Explore the unique challenges students face in grasping mathematical concepts. Learn how students develop mathematical skills and knowledge, and discover effective teaching methods that ignite a love for maths in your students.
Essential Skills for the Maths Classroom: Master the art of crafting engaging lesson plans, adapting resources to different needs, assessing student progress accurately, and providing constructive feedback to propel students' mathematical journeys.
Diverse Teaching Strategies: Develop a repertoire of dynamic teaching and learning techniques tailored to various age groups, learning styles, and student abilities.
Programme Structure and Focus:
Modelling Best Practices: Throughout the programme, we'll consistently demonstrate high-quality maths instruction for you to observe and learn from.
Evidence-Based Approach: Our programme is built on proven methods that ensure successful mathematics education.
Reflective Practice: We'll provide opportunities for focused discussions and practising effective maths teaching strategies. This will hone your ability to analyse your teaching critically and continuously improve.
Whilst completing the exam papers, there will be topics you identify where your subject knowledge is secure and those where it is less secure. As a graduate mathematician, you have shown that you have the necessary skills and means to improve your own subject knowledge through self-study and liaison & engagement with others. Whilst there is no expectation that you will complete all of the subject learning modules, based on your own QLA, target at least two areas for development and complete the sections of Seneca Learning modules for this content.
Go to Seneca learning: https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/ to sign up.
Click ‘Students use for free’.
Click ‘Classes’ at the top right-hand corner of the page, which will bring you to this page:
Click ‘Join class’ and, when prompted, enter the class code: tzzb4elg15
You have now access to my virtual classroom.
As part of your development as a teacher, it is vital that you understand the mathematics curriculum and some of the key messages, concepts and ideas that form the context of this in schools. One aspect I would like you to be familiar with from the start of the year is the phrase 'Maths Mastery' and what it involves – please use this link or feel free to investigate yourself, as there are many articles online, including:
https://www.ncetm.org.uk/teaching-for-mastery/mastery-explained
Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/bWNJSgo
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/making-every-maths-lesson-count/andy-tharby/shaun-allison/9781785833328
Secondly this is an easily digestible book which covers a lot of the pedagogical ideology we will be focussing on this year. A colleague described this book as “hands down the best page to practical gain ratio in a teaching book I’ve read”. This doesn’t make the most sense but it is concise, simple and practical and I completely agree with him.
We will be referring to these two reads in the first 2 sessions in September.