NCETM West Midlands Email Update - Number 1 - Thursday 6 December 2007

We recently announced our plan to send out regular update emails to all those registered on NCETM portal as being in the West Midlands. The aim is to keep you well informed while at the same time not bombarding you with emails. We received a very positive reaction to the plan so here we are … WM Email Update Number 1

We would welcome feedback on this initiative (including suggestions for inclusion in future updates) and/or on other regional activities … similarly, please let us know if you do not want to receive future updates … please email …

  • Primary teachers - have your say

There is still time to respond to the survey that is informing the Williams Primary Mathematics Review. We are trying to help Sir Peter Williams build a true picture of the experience of primary teachers, particularly in relation to professional development. There is also a chance at the end of the survey to tell Sir Peter’s team what you think he should recommend.

Go to then click on the box on the RHS

  • Are you a new/new-ish secondary maths subject leader? (or do you know one?)

There is still just about time to apply for the new course based in Warwick. It is a blended learning course offering three day initial face-to-face session in January, followed by five days' working with colleagues in schools, and two more days face-to-face over the January to April period. It is intended for teachers who are new to the role of mathematics subject leader in a secondary school or college who have been in post for less than two years. It will be accredited and provide an opportunity to gain higher degree credits.

Click here for further details

  • Learning Coaches Network meetings in the West Midlands

20th December at Stoke on Trent College, ST4 2DG

This meeting will explore the issues associated with Maths and Dyslexia. Guest speaker: Steve Chinn. All Subject Learning Coaches should attend if at all possible. The meeting is open to all teachers of mathematics/numeracy post 16, although there may be some places for teachers in other sectors. Please apply to Fatima Hassan at … or for more information contact Peter Hough at or on 07787 967371… or see the WM regional page

7th December, Nuneaton - Unfortunately we have had to postpone this meeting

  • Talking Heads

You might like to have a browse through a little of the NCETM 'Talking Heads' microsite that has just been launched … brings some interesting perspectives to what professional development means to different people …

Go to then click on the Talking Heads box on the RHS … click on one of the 4 faces you see and play the brief clip (the transcript is there too) … then go back and try another face (you will see that you have a different selection of faces each time) … or you can browse the clips within the categories shown (peer observation, collaboration etc) …

  • Improving Learning in Mathematics - order now, while you still can!

Many of you will be aware of this excellent resource, often referred to as ‘The Standards Unit box’. It is still possible for secondary schools and colleges to order hard copies of the resource through the NCETM portal, though we understand that the intention is to ‘disperse’ the stock over the coming weeks. So if you haven’t ordered a copy, or would like to order further copies, go to the Resources pages here, click on the Improving Learning in Mathematics box on the RHS … then go to the online order form