University of Warwick8th July 2014

Maths Fest!

Aims of the day

• To build on the success of the GCSE Maths Enhancement Programme

• To inform about the latest news & initiatives

• To raise & discuss issues & ideas

• To showcase & share effective practice

• To seek ideas for future maths professional development

GCSE Maths Enhancement Programme

• 2234 enrolments across England – including 303 in West Midlands

• 143 courses run

• 83 PD leads trained by NCETM

• Course have twin aims of developing maths skills & teaching approaches

Hereford

Wolv’ton Walsall (2)Birmingham (4)

Solihull

Rugby

Coventry (2)Sandwell

Cannock

Stoke

Worcester

Dudley

Shrewsbury (2)

19 courses across WM region

End of course feedback• 77% very useful; 22% useful• 79% would strongly recommend the

programme• 89% had already applied what they had learntBUT …• Only 38% felt ready to teach GCSE!!• (39% were nearly ready; 23% need significant

further training)

The way ahead!Minister’s statement – 2nd July

Timescale Action

Aug 2014 16-19 students without a GCSE A*-C must continue working towards GCSE or approved interim qualification (condition of funding)

Aug 2015 full-time 16-19 students with grade D must re-take GCSE (rather than other qualifications)

Sep 2015 Reformed GCSEs in English & maths available for teaching – first examination in summer 2017

Aug 2017 Further revision of funding conditions relating to new GCSEs

2020 Adults & apprentices of all ages who are studying English & maths will work towards reformed GCSEs

Apprentices

• Functional skills will continue to be part of frameworks for now

• BIS will work with apprenticeship providers to enable them to offer GCSEs

• By 2020, ambition is that apprentices will be working towards reformed GCSEs, taking stepping stone qualifications if necessary

Adult learners

• From 2015-16, higher rate of funding for adults studying GCSE English & maths

• Funding for level 2 QCF English & maths qualifications will cease at same time

• By 2020, ambition is that adults studying English & maths will be working towards reformed GCSEs, taking stepping stone qualifications if necessary

Level 3 core maths

• Aimed at young people who achieve A*-C at GCSE but don’t go on to A-level

• Launched in 179 ‘early adopters’ this autumn

• Rolled out nationally from 2015

FE Workforce Strategy• Sets out steps to improve quality & quantity of maths &

English teachers

• Includes £30m package of funding

• Most will go on bursaries & ‘golden hellos’ to attract graduates

• Also mentions programmes ‘to enhance the skills of existing maths & English teachers so they can teach GCSE’

• For full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-education-workforce-strategy

What support do providers & maths teachers need?

• More GCSE Maths Enhancement courses?

• Follow-on support for those completing the programme?

• Other areas of maths CPD need?

• Network meetings for practitioners?

• Subject-specific teacher training?

• Information, advice & guidance?

Flipchart sheets in both rooms to jot down ideas!

Plenary session at end of day for discussion

The rest of the day …Time10:45 Maths for Vocational Tutors &

Assessors (Liz Renshaw)Level 3 core maths(Jo Decko)

11:45 BREAK

12:00 Problem solving for functional skills (Linda Randall/Steve Pardoe)

GCSE maths for all: curtseying to adult lives? (Joan O’Hagan)

13:00 LUNCH

14:00 Stimulating Starts (Martin Newton) Making Maths Meaningful (Soroosh Yousefian)

15:00 Plenary – Where next for maths professional development?

15:35 Final remarks

15:45 Depart