Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics for Primary Teachers

This programme is designed to improve the subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for all practitioners teaching and supporting the learning of primary maths.

There are two pathways: Number and Spatial Reasoning. Each pathway consists of several core units and looks at specific topics as well as policy and practice. Exploration of modules in these pathways will take place during the course of the academic year, over four full day sessions. Participants in the programme may wish to follow one pathway this year, and the other pathway the following year.

The Spatial Reasoning pathway is a key focus this year.  Children with good spatial reasoning skills are better at maths.  Importantly, there is robust evidence that spatial reasoning can be taught and teaching children to think and learn spatially, has a positive impact on both spatial ability and maths attainment.  The latest TIMSS report shows weakness in some key areas of maths and cites our lack of focus on spatial reasoning as a major factor, highlighting the need for attention to be paid to this concept (Source TES.com).  Choose this pathway to discover how spatial reasoning skills can improve attainment with numbers, enhancing overall mathematical understanding.