Core Maths five years on

This interview offers a view from the Merseyside classroom of Jack Ndebu, a new teacher of Core Maths, and his experiences with support offered by the Maths Hub network and AMSP. His experiences are complimented by a view of the national picture from Rachel Mathieson, who has been researching the successes and challenges of Core Maths in its first 5 years.

Taking part in the conversation are:

Jack Ndebu: Teacher of maths at Rainford High School, Merseyside

Rachel Mathieson: Research Fellow at the School of Education, Leeds University and one of the authors of The early take-up of Core Maths: successes and challenges

Gwen Tresidder: NCETM Communications Manager

02:31 Background: Rainford High School and Jack’s teaching experience
04:48 How is Core Maths different to teaching A level?
06:44 What I used to do. What I do now.
14:14 How do students find it?
17:31 How did you gain the skills needed to teach Core Maths?
22:58 Effects of Covid-19 on lessons and use of data in lessons
27:34 Rachel: research findings
32:36 Required GCSE tier of entry/grade for Core Maths
37:17 How schools/teachers can make Core Maths successful

• Full details of the Core Maths research project on the Leeds University website
• At 25:36, Jack mentions Core Maths resources collated on Padlet, by Catherine Van Saarloos (Core Maths Professional Development Lead at AMSP). The relevant pages are here: Getting started with Core Maths and Teaching Core Maths.
• More information on how to join Maths Hub CPD Work Groups: Developing Core Maths pedagogy
• AMSP has many useful Core Maths resources accessible from their homepage under the ‘Teachers’ menu. This includes case studies on how schools/colleges have managed to integrate Core Maths into their timetables, as well as resources, professional development and curriculum advice.
• The DfE has recently updated its Core Maths technical guidance.