Background

Core Maths is a relatively new qualification, but entries are growing rapidly, with over 12,000 entries and close to 700 state-funded schools and colleges with students studying the course in 2020-21. Core Maths is intended for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or better. It helps to develop students’ quantitative and problem-solving skills, supporting their learning in other subjects and providing valuable preparation for the quantitative skills they will need for further study and employment.

Core Maths Specialists Leads will help the AMSP to increase participation in Core Maths by working with schools/colleges to set up the course, providing support and advice on teaching Core Maths and promoting the course to students.

What will participation in the programme involve?

Year 1

This programme will initially last for two years although it is anticipated the role will continue beyond this.

During the first year (2022-23), emphasis will be on training and support for the Core Maths Specialist Lead and developing the practice in their own or linked institution before moving onto supporting others.

The role will amount to 15 days’ worth of time over the year and the institution will receive £5600 to release the Core Maths Specialist Lead (if they are school based). Travel costs will be claimable and £350 is included to facilitate Senior Leadership attendance at session one.

The role will include the following activities and tasks:

• 4 days attending central events (dates and locations to be confirmed, some will be face- to-face and some online). Please note: the head teacher, or their representative from the senior leadership team of the Core Maths Specialist Leads own or linked institution, will also be required to attend the launch event on the first day of central training. Funding for this is included.
• 4 days personal and departmental development which might include:
  • working on their own classroom knowledge and practice.
  • working with Core Maths resources from the Core Maths Platform.
  • embedding a Core Maths ethos into a departmental approach.
• 7 days working with local schools and/or colleges to enhance their Core Maths provision.

Year 2

In the academic year 2023-24, this work will amount to 15 days payable at the same rate of £350 per day. This will include the following activities and tasks:

• 1 day attending central training.
• 3 days (equivalent) attending PD Lead training.
• 11 days (or 14 if already an accredited PD Lead) working with local schools and/or colleges to enhance their Core Maths provision. This support could include:
  • running network meetings locally.
  • advising a school wishing to introduce Core Maths.
  • delivering PD to teachers delivering the qualification for the first time.
  • supporting the department with curriculum planning.

PD Lead accreditation is a funded part of the programme and will be delivered by the NCETM.

Essential

• Experience of teaching Core Maths.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status (QTLS).
• Good teaching skills in maths as evidenced by internal/external/Ofsted observation.
• A minimum of 2 years’ teaching experience.
• Successful track record of working effectively with other professionals within own school.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• An understanding of what constitutes effective learning in maths, and the ability and confidence to communicate this.
• Passion and enthusiasm for Core Maths.

Desirable

• Additional status, e.g. Lead Practitioner; NCETM Accredited PD Lead.
• Currently teaching Core Maths.
• Maths subject leader or responsibility within a maths department.
• Employed as a teacher in a state-funded institution.
• Successful track record of working effectively with other professionals across a group of schools.