Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics Programmes - Early Years

Patterns of Success: Laying Strong Foundations for Deep Mathematical Thinking in the Early Years Through Pattern, Shape, Space and Measure

Participants will develop their mathematical subject knowledge in conjunction with understanding the pedagogy that underpins the teaching of it. Understanding of mathematical structures will be explored so participants gain a detailed understanding of how children learn early mathematical concepts.

This is a continuation of NCP17-14 and NCP18-20/21 and the Early Years pilot project. This year, the developed resources will be trialled across the Maths Hubs Network with the aim of refining the materials to create a standardised modular programme which can be designed to address local needs.

Who is this for?

The programme is aimed at Early Years practitioners who would like to develop their specialist knowledge for teaching mathematics. This may be particularly relevant for teachers new to teaching mathematics.

What is involved?

Classroom practice will develop through a series of gap tasks where participants try out activities to promote depth of understanding, reasoning and fluency; these might include pupil interviews, lesson study and work scrutiny. Research and evidence are used to inform their practice and participants are encouraged to share these more widely in schools to support discussion on current policies and approaches.

The programme will have the following elements:

• Independent study and setting-based work including gap tasks and evaluation
• Online discussion as part of a professional community.

Intended Outcomes

As a result of this project, participants will not only be able to ‘do’ mathematics, but will also have the appropriate pedagogical knowledge to teach and support their pupils well. Participants will develop both their knowledge about maths and knowledge about the teaching of maths, developing better pedagogy and being aware of how pupils learn, and how to teach the content most effectively. Classroom practice will develop through participants’ engagement with gap tasks between meetings, trying out activities with pupils to promote understanding, reasoning and fluency.

Expectations of participants and their schools

Participants are expected to be working as Early Years practitioners. 

All participants are expected to attend all the sessions and complete gap tasks in their schools between the sessions. They will also be asked to keep a learning log for their own use and contribute to the national evaluation process, probably through a short online survey after the Work Group has finished.

When?

All sessions will run from 09:30 - 14:30

Day 1 Tuesday 26th November 2019

Day 2 Friday 6th March 2020 

Day 3 Tuesday 28th April 2020 postponed

Session 3 Re-scheduled

Session 3 (Part 1 - online)  Tuesday, May 12th: 10:00 - 11:30

Session 3 (Part 2 - online)  Thursday, May 14th: 10:00 - 11:30

Where?

The Orchard School, Bridge Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9HT (day 1 and day 2)

Session 3 - online

If you are interested, what next?

If you are interested in participating in this work group and you can commit to attend all the sessions, please contact London SW Maths Hub Administrator Lesley Dibbens to express an interest by email to admin@londonsouthwestmathshub.co.uk