Maths Provision in Colleges in London

4th October 2007
National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, London

11 colleges were selected to take part, including 3 WL LLN partners, giving a broad range and size of different types of FE provision
Maths teams tended to meet infrequently
> Not much Learning & Teaching discussed despite this being the core business
> Meetings often focused more on operational issues, timetabling etc rather than setting sufficient time for L&T issues, change and improvements in practice

Senior Managers need to acknowledge the importance of Maths in its own right, and as a tool that supports almost every other subject
CPD for staff: Consider including observation of Maths teaching as a specific requirement. Schedule this for all teachers of mathematics
> Observations should be carried out by managers with expertise and experience in maths education
> Observation should include a component that specifically explores maths pedagogy issues
College structures should be organised to reflect the importance of maths, ensuring maths issues has a voice that is heard at senior level
> Ensure there is a member of the Strategic Management Team that has remit for maths across the college.
>This is more likely to engage higher level support for change initiatives and professional development in Learning & Teaching
> Structures should support a team approach to teaching of the subject with teachers of maths (in all forms) sharing resources, strategies and ideas and being able to support each other
> Consider carrying out an audit of mathematics, to establish the extent of provision throughout the college (Audit questionnaire is available based on Wake & Beamish’s work: NETCM website)
> Develop Maths Subject Learning Coaches and incorporate this role into the teacher support structure of the college

CPD/Staff development is essential to improve the quality of teaching and learning in maths in ALL subject areas
Mathematics Subject Learning Coaches should be developed. These are of little benefit however if they are not utilised! High level support is needed to ensure resources can help develop better practice within
www.subjectlearningcoaches.net
Materials – free downloads – Improving Learning in Mathematics

Inspiring Vocational Learning