What is involved?

There are significant numbers of people teaching mathematics in secondary schools without specialist initial teacher training.

This programme supports non-specialist teachers in developing the specialist knowledge (the blend of subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge) required for teaching maths as it has long been recognised that maths teaching is enhanced when the teachers are confident about the subject matter. The programme is aligned with an overall Teaching for Mastery Programme designed to develop maths teaching in schools.

What does the programme cover?

As a participant on the SKTM Secondary Non-specialist Programme you will:

• explore and increase your use of a range of pedagogic approaches consistent with teaching for mastery 
• increase your confidence in planning for progression in maths. 
• improve your subject and curriculum knowledge of secondary maths

This programme has 18 core sessions (an introductory session then 17 sessions exploring each of the NCETM KS3 core concepts), and is designed to be the equivalent of 6 days. 

Who can take part?

This programme is provided for non-specialist teachers of maths in state-funded schools who fit the following definition: ‘A non-specialist teacher of mathematics is ‘a teacher that is currently teaching some mathematics or has commitment from a headteacher/executive head to teach some mathematics within the next year, who has not undertaken initial teacher training (ITT) in mathematics’. 

This could include: 

1. non-specialist QTS teachers with an active commitment from their school to teach maths within the next academic year 

2. non-specialist non-QTS teachers with an active commitment from their school to teach maths within the next academic year 

3. overseas-trained maths teachers (from EEA or the big 4) with: 

• QTS status obtained through the mutual recognition route 

• residency in the UK and eligible to work in England 

• an approved teaching post in a secondary school or college with commitment from their new school to complete SKTM. 

What is the cost?

The SKTM Secondary Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

Find out more…

What does the 2023 Ofsted report, ‘Coordinating Mathematical Success’, say about non-specialist teachers of maths?

Here about the SKTM Secondary Non-specialist Programme on this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast

“From attending the programme, the non-specialist teacher’s confidence in his maths and the teaching of maths has improved. The expectations of his students are now higher. During lessons, subject-specific language is being used by students and they are expected to explain their methods using this language. Manipulatives and representations are a regular feature of the teacher’s lessons and this has supported students in understanding the structure of the maths”

– Karen, Head of Maths Department