Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Maths - Primary Teachers- Spatial Reasoning Pathway

This project is designed to support primary teachers in developing specialist knowledge for teaching mathematics, thus enabling them to understand, teach and support pupils in maths in the classroom.

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

Why Make 'Space' for Spatial Reasoning?

In December 2023, our Programme Lead, Vicki Giffard, held an online taster session for this Programme. During this online session, Vicki shared more about what is meant by Spatial Reasoning (and why it doesn't just mean geometry). She discussed why Spatial Reasoning is important - for daily life, Mathematics and the wider curriculum - and that research shows there is a positive correlation between spatial ability and mathematical ability - but often there is not a significant focus on Spatial Reasoning in the Mathematics curriculum. You can watch a recording of the session by following the link below

What's involved?

The programme is based on four core primary modules:

• What is spatial reasoning?
• Reasoning about shapes
• Spatial and geometric reasoning (including position, direction and movement)
• Spatial reasoning and number

This programme will take place across the equivalent of four days.

What are the benefits?

Participants will:

• Your pupils will demonstrate a positive attitude towards maths, being willing to have a go, persevere, and share their mathematical ideas
• Your pupils will be able to explain their maths and their mathematical thinking using appropriate language
• You will review your practice as a result of the sessions and make practice-specific adaptations to impact on pupil outcomes
• You will enhance your maths subject knowledge with an emphasis on the key structures in each mathematical area covered

WHAT DO PARTICIPANTS THINK?

"The programme really opened my eyes to the importance of teaching shape and space to children, alongside the continued focus on number. It was wonderful to see one particular pupil grow in confidence and capability through working with her on her spatial reasoning and visualisation skills" Kate- Year 4 Teacher

Who can apply?

This programme is designed for teachers who would like to further develop their specialist knowledge for teaching maths. It will be particularly relevant for teachers that have moved phases or teachers that have not received maths-specific training.

What is the cost?

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

Where and when?

The face to face sessions will be held at Soar Valley College, Gleneagles Avenue, Leicester, LE4 7GY

• Introductory session (online): Monday 29^th January 2024, 1:30pm-3.30pm
• Session 1 (face-to-face): Tuesday 6^th February 2024, 9.30am – 4.00pm
• Session 2 (face-to-face): Monday 11^th March 2024, 9.30am – 4.00pm
• Session 3 (face-to-face): Friday 19^th April 2024, 9.30am – 4.00pm
• Session 4 (face-to-face): Wednesday 12^th June 2024, 9.30am – 4.00pm

Who will lead the programme?

Vicki Giffard - Primary mathematics Consultant. Vicki featured in the 2022/23 Maths Hubs Annual Report, you can read more about how Vicki’s passion for and experience in maths research enhanced her leadership of this programme, and enabled her to tailor the content for her group by following the link below (pages 17 & 18):

Interested?

We are no longer accepting applications for this programme, however if you would like to express an interest in our 2024/25 Work Group, please complete our expression of interest form linked below