Fundamental English and mathematics proficiencies
As required by the Department for Education (DfE), we need to assure that all our students have the fundamental skills in English and mathematics to become a teacher by the end of their training. This process will start at the interview stage and carry on throughout the programme.
By the end of your programme/ course, and before being recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you will be expected to demonstrate that you have the competence in the following areas:
- Speaking, listening and communicating are fundamental to a teacher’s role. Teachers should use standard English grammar, clear pronunciation and vocabulary relevant to the situation to convey instructions, questions, information, concepts and ideas with clarity. Teachers should read fluently and with good understanding.
- Writing by teachers will be seen by colleagues, pupils and parents and, as such, it is important that a teacher’s writing reflects the high standards of accuracy their professional role demands. They should write clearly, accurately, legibly and coherently using correct spelling and punctuation.
- Teachers should use data and graphs to interpret information, identify patterns and trends and draw appropriate conclusions. They need to interpret pupil data and understand statistics and graphs in the news, academic reports and relevant papers.
- Teachers should be able to complete mathematical calculations fluently with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages. They should be able to solve mathematical problems using a variety of methods and approaches including: estimating and rounding, sense checking answers, breaking down problems into simpler steps, and explaining and justifying answers using appropriate language.
The development of fundamental English and mathematics proficiencies is embedded throughout the course both at centre and professional practice training and there will be opportunities for you to improve your knowledge, understanding and skills in these areas.