MaST Mathematics Specialist Teacher Programme

Summary 2012/13

• Develop the skills necessary to become a Mathematics Specialist Teacher;
• Gain a deep understanding of the nature of mathematics within the Early Years Foundation Stage, primary curriculum and Key Stage 3;
• Join a programme aimed at enhancing the practice of all primary school teachers – you don’t need a background in mathematics to enrol.

In Sir Peter Williams’ independent review of Mathematics Teaching in Early Years Settings and Primary Schools, he stated that

"There should be at least one Mathematics Specialist in each primary school, in post within 10 years, with deep mathematical subject and pedagogical knowledge."

The two-year Mathematics Specialist Teacher (MaST) Programme is designed to help teachers become "champions of mathematics" who will work to change attitudes towards the subject, making it more accessible and relevant to children.

Following the positive impact which Mathematics Specialist Teachers are already having in schools, the government has demonstrated its commitment to the programme by partially funding schools and teachers into 2013. Edge Hill University are delighted to continue to offer this innovative and exciting programme.

2012 Entry Requirements

To be accepted onto the programme you must be:

• Teaching in a maintained primary school in one of the following Local Authorities: Birmingham, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Coventry, Dudley, Halton, Hereford, Knowsley, Lancashire, Sandwell, Sefton, Shropshire, Solihull, St Helens, Stafford, Stoke on Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Walsall, Wigan, Wirral, Wolverhampton, Worcester;
• Committed to improving the quality of learning and teaching of mathematics;
• Enthusiastic about becoming an ambassador for mathematics.

Your participation in the programme should have the support of your School Leadership Team.

Details

Who is this course for?

Any primary school teacher can undertake the programme. You don't need to have a mathematics background, just an enthusiasm to develop the skills necessary to become an ambassador for mathematics, and the commitment of a school to ensuring that changes in the way maths is taught become an integral part of the school improvement plan.

What will I gain from this programme?

Teachers who successfully complete the MaST programme will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Primary Mathematics (worth 60 credits at Masters Level) and the Mathematics Specialist Teacher status. The programme also offers teachers an opportunity to enhance their professional development through involvement with the school leadership team.

How we will support you

Support for students will be provided during face-to-face sessions with the Edge Hill staff, by mathematics consultants at Local Meetings and via online tutor support.

What will I study?

In line with national guidelines for MaST, there are three key themes to the overall programme which will provide teachers with:

• A deep understanding of the nature of mathematics within the Early Years Foundation Stage, primary curriculum and into Key Stage 3;
• A deep understanding of a range of approaches to teaching and learning;
• An opportunity to reflect upon and develop effective strategies for working collaboratively with colleagues and making a positive contribution towards the School Improvement Plan.

Teachers on the programme will be expected to undertake personal, extended professional learning activities and schools will be expected to support them by creating opportunities for in-school focused tasks and opportunities to work with other colleagues.

How will I study?

Each year of the programme requires the following:

• Six locally based meetings run in small cluster groups;
• Five days of face-to-face contact with Edge Hill University in out of school hours, normally at weekends. This will include a two-day residential programme in Ormskirk at the end of the summer vacation period, with three further days offered either in Ormskirk or our central Birmingham venue;
• One half day monitoring visit to the school;
• In-school classroom-based work in your own classroom and work alongside colleagues;
• Self-supported study, including online learning using the Edge Hill Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard.

Please note, MaST demands commitment from the whole school. Teachers taking part in MaST must be released from school for the locally based meetings and should also be prepared to give up their own time for weekend events.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme will be delivered by a dedicated tutor team at Edge Hill University and locally based mathematics consultants. There will also be input from external leading academics in primary mathematics education.

How will I be assessed?

There are two strands of assessment on the programme:

• A Professional Learning Log which will contain reflections on your learning and evidence of your developing practice in every day school activities. The Log will be submitted at the end of Year 1 and a further one at the end of the programme;
• A written assignment submitted at the end of each year. These assignments will focus on the impact of developing pedagogy and collaborative practice in your school. You will be able to choose activities relevant to your own school and learning within the parameters of the assignment.

Professional Accreditation

Teachers successfully completing the course will be deemed to have fulfilled the requirements of the Department of Education’s programme to become a Mathematics Specialist Teacher.

Further study at Edge Hill University

The programme gives 60 Masters' level credits which can be contributory to further postgraduate study such as Postgraduate Diploma or MA.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

For further information on the application process, please contact Kerry Gouldson on 01695 650774 or email mast@edgehill.ac.uk.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees and financial support arrangements for teachers joining the programme in academic year 2012/13 are still to be confirmed. Please keep checking this page for updates.

Still want more?

If you would like to find out more you can contact our MaST enquiry line on 01695 650774 or email mast@edgehill.ac.uk.

Modules

• MST4001 How Children Learn Mathematics
• MST4002 Working with Colleagues: Collaborative, Practice-based Development