Local Leaders in Maths Education Training Programmes – from the Maths Hub

In this newsletter, we feature insights from three of our Local Leaders in Maths Education (LLME) who have engaged in a range of the maths professional development opportunities offered by The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM).  Catherine Hampton and Adrienne Bradshaw are primary teachers, Peter Atkinson is a secondary teacher.

Catherine’s training as a mastery specialist stemmed from her role as a Specialist Leader for Mathematics.  Through previous engagements with the NCETM, including attending conferences and participating in sponsored training focusing on outdoor play, she was introduced to effective pedagogies and resources that she deemed beneficial for her pupils. The mastery specialist training has had a profound impact on her teaching practice; she experienced significant growth in her subject knowledge and pedagogical techniques, particularly regarding progression in mathematical concepts such as fractions and multiplication.

Participating in the SDL programme has allowed her to further develop her understanding and widen her focus beyond solely mathematics teaching. This particular training equips her to work collaboratively with various leadership teams and ensures that her teaching methodologies are consistently evolving.

Throughout this journey, Catherine has been consistently impressed by the holistic approach the training provides. It is not merely about maths; rather, it is about building a foundation that incorporates vocabulary progression, resource utilisation, and the importance of small steps in her teaching practices. This depth of understanding has been crucial in creating an effective learning environment for the pupils at Cecil Road.

When asked why he originally trained as a secondary mastery specialist, Pete shared that his involvement in the Mathematical Thinking for GCSE work group in 2019 truly opened his eyes to innovative ways of teaching maths. He was keen to enhance not only his own subject knowledge but also to support others in their teaching practices. Through the Secondary Mastery Specialist programme and his recent participation in the School Development Lead Programme, Pete aims to aid senior leaders in effectively supporting their maths departments.

He described his experiences over the past five years as some of the most enriching professional development he has undertaken, particularly enjoying the collaborative aspect of sharing ideas with fellow educators. Pete emphasised the importance of continually evolving one's teaching practice, citing the impactful use of variation theory and concrete pictorial representations in the classroom. His reflections highlight a key theme: that truly effective practices are rooted in consistent innovation, which not only benefits him as a teacher but also significantly enhances student learning outcomes.

As both a Maths subject leader and a passionate advocate for professional development, Adrienne initially trained as a PD Lead to enhance her ability to support staff in improving maths teaching and, ultimately, pupil outcomes. With nearly two decades of mentoring experience, the PD course felt like a natural progression in her journey. She has since taken this training to lead workshops within her Trust and her involvement with the Maths Hub has motivated her to pursue her NPQLTD. This journey led Adrienne to roles such as Teaching and Learning Lead, where she has been able to support fellow subject leads effectively.

Participating in the SD Lead programme has enriched her understanding of implementing meaningful change within schools. It's been invaluable in shaping her approach to coaching and collaborating with colleagues, particularly as she draws from evidence-based research during discussions with school leaders.

All three of our LLME wholeheartedly encourage other teachers to explore the diverse and impactful training programmes offered by the Maths Hub. The fully-funded opportunities provide not only essential skills for leading maths initiatives but also foster a collaborative spirit, sharing innovative ideas which lead to improved outcomes for students.

Full details, including commitment from applicants and schools is available on the NCETM website, where applications must also be submitted by Friday 14th March, 5pm