Mathematics
“Why do children dread mathematics? Because of the wrong approach. Because it is looked at as a subject.”
Shakuntala Devi
Leeds, Bradford, Hull and East Yorkshire Code
Course Information
All secondary trainees receive 2 hours of subject training per week, led by a highly experienced subject leader, who has a strong track-record of outstanding results in schools in the GORSE Academies Trust. This ensures that training is highly tailored to delivery to pupils in Key Stage 3, 4 and 5, and covers all areas of subject knowledge (in KS3 and 4) and disciplinary skills. We offer great insights into how outstanding schools operate and what we do as teachers to continue to inspire and encourage pupils in a love of mathematics. Our curriculum offer is highly extensive and unique in this regard.
Mathematics training sessions initially focus on the fundamentals of great teaching; strong subject knowledge, lesson planning and assessment ensuring that you are confidently able to deliver materials to young people. As the year progresses the course becomes more varied and incorporates a number of exciting opportunities to develop your understanding of the breath of the mathematical journey young people undertake from 4-19 years old. We visit both and outstanding primary school and 6th form college. In addition, the Maths Development Lead from the West Yorkshire Maths Hub runs a phenomenal session on the use of manipulatives in secondary schools.
The curriculum is carefully crafted to ensure that you are prepared for all aspects of your future career. We look at contact with parents and in particular preparation for Parents Evenings. Throughout the year you will be offered bespoke employment support within subject sessions. Sessions included preparing for interviews and covering letters and one to one time is dedicate to the preparation of resources for interview days.
You will have access to high-quality materials that will allow you to develop your own interests and create your own approach to teaching. Within our sessions time is built in to jointly plan and design resources with your peers, these are shared across the cohort. By working alongside colleagues in our high-performing partnership schools, you will receive the very best opportunity to deepen your confidence and develop your own identity as an
outstanding mathematics teacher
Meet the Mathematics Subject Lead
David Atkinson
Mathematics is a universal language that enables the understanding of the world, it is an integral part of the curriculum. Beyond the study of numbers, shapes and patterns, it also provides important tools for work in fields such as engineering, physics, architecture, medicine and business. It nurtures the development of a logical and methodical mindset as well as the ability to solve all manner of problems. Attainment in mathematics is also the key to opening new doors for study and employment. However, despite its importance, for many of our students the subject remains mysterious and challenging which can cause a lack of confidence ultimately leading to poor achievement. Great maths teachers provide young
people, of all abilities, with the tools to unlock the world of Mathematics and gain enjoyment in the subject area through a growing self-confidence in their ability.
Our training programme ensures that trainees are kept abreast of the most up to date pedagogies in mathematics through membership of the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics and close links with the West Yorkshire Maths Hub. Weekly training sessions in mathematics ensure that they will learn and refine their subject knowledge with a focus on the methods used to deliver key content. We will discuss strategies that will support with high levels of pupil engagement, promoting oracy within mathematics and developing the confidence of the students. Trainees will learn to adapt planning to meet the needs of a range of learners and to ensure that they can enjoy and be inspired by
their lessons.
In this way we hope to tackle the perennially low numbers of pupils entering the discipline, our vision is that every young person is taught by a qualified subject specialist. Ultimately, we hope that the next generation will have a long career in the classroom, changing the lives of the young people with whom they work and additionally inspiring the next generation of mathematics teachers
