A new network for excellence to improve how maths is taught in schools and improve standards has been officially launched (Fri 14th July).
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Education Secretary Kirsty Williams will unveil the National Network for Excellence in Mathematics at a school in Cardiff alongside renowned maths expert Dr Hannah Fry who will talk about how to make the subject more compelling and interesting for pupils.
The Welsh Government is investing over £3.2 million in the network this Assembly term which will play a key role in the Education Secretary Kirsty Williams’ national mission to raise standards in Welsh schools.
It involves schools, colleges, universities and the four regional education consortia - working together to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and numeracy in Wales, in support of new curriculum developments.
Its role will include:
- Extra support to develop leadership in maths and help schools work together in support of higher standards.
- Supporting teachers, teaching assistants, further education lecturers and others to develop improved classroom practice.
- Schools and colleges will receive guidance, access to conferences and events on effective teaching practice, alongside a new dedicated online maths zone on the Hwb learning website.
- New accredited evidence-based professional development programmes for teaching staff to improve their mathematics knowledge, and the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Kirsty Williams said:
“We are on a national mission to improve education standards to make sure all our pupils have an equal opportunity to reach the highest standards. This is particularly important in such a critical subject such as maths.
“Our new National Network for Excellence in Maths uses Wales’ ability to come together, to share understanding of what works best, and to support each other in raising standards and our ambitions for excellence.
“The network will capture the best knowledge, expertise and experience from our universities, schools, Consortia and others for the benefit of our young people.”
The Education Secretary will visit Cardiff High School to meet Hannah Fry and the expert board of the network as they begin their work.