Maths for Non-Specialists 2020-21
This programme is designed to upskill teachers who are teaching Maths as a non-specialist subject and will consist of four sessions from 2.30 to 4.30pm on the following dates:
- Session 1: Thursday, 11th February 2021
- Session 2: Monday, 15th March 2021
- Session 3: Thursday, 6th May 2021
- Session 4: Monday, 24th May 2021
The objectives of this programme are to:
- improve subject knowledge of mathematics content.
- to enhance knowledge of subject specific pedagogy and teaching and learning ideas.
- Increase confidence in delivering mathematics lessons up to GCSE level.
Outline of each session:
Session 1: | Teaching Number and Proportion |
This session will explore the structure of the number system and go into some more detail about how we deal with proportion in maths. We will look at how we can help students understand these concepts through use of physical (or virtual) manipulatives and visual models. | |
Session 2: | Teaching Shape/Space/Geometry |
This session will look at what is expected of students at KS3 in terms of shape and space, how to make sense of length/area/volume formulae and units. We will also look at the power of examples and non-examples for helping students understand definitions and pre-empting misconceptions. | |
Session 3: | Removing the mysteries of scientific Casio calculators & Teaching Data/Probability |
Introduction to the use of scientific Casio calculators, suitable for non-specialist maths teachers and teaching assistants. We will also look at some of the data and probability work which comes up at KS3 and how students can take a practical and active approach in lessons to understanding these concepts |
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Session 4: | Teaching Algebra |
This session will build on the foundations from the rest of the course to look at some of the Algebra that is taught at KS3 and beyond and how you can help students understand it with a series of questions involving minimal variations which provoke discussion |
Reporting instructions will be emailed to you a few days before each session and sessions will take place either virtually or face to face in accordance with COVID guidelines at the time.
Who is this course for?
Non-specialist teachers of Mathematics
Meet the facilitators:

Jeff Hughes started his career as a qualified teacher in Hertfordshire and since then has worked in schools in South Africa and London before returning to Hertfordshire as Curriculum Lead for Maths at St Albans Girls’ School.