Profile
My Background
I have been the mathematics subject leader in three Gloucestershire primary schools with contrasting catchments and challenges. I am currently the year 6 class teacher and Assistant Headteacher at Foxmoor Primary School in Stroud, but have previously taught mathematics in Cheltenham to a range of year groups across Key Stage 1 and 2, working as a class teacher first at Holy Apostles’ Primary School and then also as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) at Gardners Lane Primary School. Within all my work I have sought to work closely with colleagues to make mathematics fun, engaging and meaningful in order that pupils leave primary education with a secure knowledge and ability within the subject, but also an enthusiasm for the subject and understanding of its relevance within the wider world.
I completed the Mathematics Specialist Teacher (MaST) programme, a two year master’s degree level accredited course, which explored effective pedagogical approaches to teaching the mathematics curriculum. Following this, I completed a master's degree in Educational Leadership for which my dissertation focused upon identifying reasons for pupil underperformance. This work dispelled many myths about gender stereotypes in mathematics and drew upon the ideas of Carol Dweck and Jo Boaler regarding the importance of nurturing a 'growth mindset'.
Good Practice/Expertise I can offer
I have been involved in a number of initiatives to trial and explore approaches to teaching and learning in mathematics, with the aim to constantly develop my own practice and support that of my colleagues.
- I took part in a training programme for the use of Cognitive Acceleration in Mathematics Education (CAME) materials to cultivate collaborative learning and deeper mathematical thinking by pupils.
- In 2016 I was involved in an evaluation of the efficacy of the Oxford University Press Inspire Maths mastery materials, which was conducted by the University of Oxford. This involved five days of training in the mastery approach, as well as time spent reflecting on the materials and analysis of progress by pupils.
- Through this, as well as attending meetings and events organised by the GLOW Maths Hub, I have been developing and implementing the core aspects of a mastery approach to teaching mathematics within my own school since 2015.
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