Sussex Maths Hub
https://www.sussexmathshub.co.uk
Contact: hello@sussexmathshub.co.uk
Key stages covered: EY, KS1 KS2 KS4 KS5 (Post 16: Level 2 and Level 3)
Hub regions: Sussex Maths Hub covers West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove
Sussex Maths Hub aims to help schools and colleges lead improvement in mathematics education across the region. They seek to harness maths leadership and expertise within the area, to develop and spread excellent practice, for the benefit of all pupils and students.
Our work takes many forms and includes face-to-face CPD and online support. Sussex Maths Hub run several projects each year which enable teachers and teaching assistants to work collaboratively with the support of ‘Local Leaders of Maths Education’ (LLME), who facilitate the professional development.
Please click on the image to view an Introduction to Sussex Maths Hub.
Key Professional Development Offer:
- Mastery Work Groups: These groups focus on the mastery approach to teaching mathematics, which emphasise deep understanding, fluency, and problem-solving. Teachers participate in collaborative workshops, classroom observations, and discussions to implement mastery techniques effectively in their classrooms. There are dedicated work groups for primary and secondary teachers.
- Subject Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics (SKTM): Sussex Maths Hub offers opportunities to strengthen teachers' and TAs’ mathematical subject knowledge which is tailored for the primary and secondary phase, ensuring that staff have the confidence and competence for the key stages that they teach.
- Post-16 Development Programs: For educators teaching A-level and other post-16 mathematics courses, Sussex Maths Hub provides professional development opportunities to support educators in this phase.
- Networking and Collaboration: Through regular meetings, conferences, and online forums, Sussex Maths Hub fosters a community of practice where educators can share resources, discuss challenges, and stay updated on the latest educational research and innovations.
Sussex Maths Hub - Professional Development Offers
Available PD Courses: Early Years and Primary
SKTM Primary Teaching Assistants
Available PD Courses: Secondary
Secondary Maths Subject Leaders Community
Securing Foundations at Year 7
SKTM Secondary Non-Specialist Teachers
SKTM Secondary Teaching Assistants
Primary & Secondary
Secondary & Post-16
Cross Phase - Supporting Low Attainers (L2 Qualification)
Post-16
Developing Core Maths Pedagogy
Targeted Support in Mathematics
Enhanced Support
The enhanced provision is targeted at schools identified by our Work Group Leads or by School Leaders as needing additional support in order for the hub’s existing offer to have greater impact.
For example, a school in a Mastery Work Group may need additional support in planning for a particular year group, or support in developing fluency or perhaps in using manipulatives.
Intensive Support
Intensive Support is accessible to schools that meet an agreed criteria and go through a referral process.
Schools may have never engaged with Sussex Maths Hub or, due to circumstances, have paused engagement.
Schools receiving Intensive Support can initially receive, on average, 6 days of bespoke support led by an Intensive Support Partner over an agreed period of time.
ECT Expertise in Teaching Maths Modules
The ECT Expertise in Teaching Maths Modules are underpinned by the Early Career Framework and the Five Big Ideas in Teaching for Mastery. This programme provides an opportunity for ECTs to further develop their expertise in teaching maths, which enhances the statutory offer.
The programme offers flexible, self-paced professional development resources that can be explored in any order, meaning that ECTs will be able to work through the Modules at their own pace and at a time that suits their schedule. There are six modules in the programme and ECTs can choose to complete all of these, or select the ones that align with their current professional development needs.
The modules are split into two or three parts to ensure learning is manageable.
Module 1: High Expectations in Mathematics
Module 2: How Pupils Learn Mathematics
Module 3: Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics
Module 4: Curriculum Coherence in Mathematics
Module 5: Practice in the Mathematics Classroom
Module 6: Adaptive Teaching in Mathematics.
The ECT Expertise in Teaching Maths Modules are hosted on a learning management system, and so are interactive and engaging.
How do ECTs access the ECT Expertise in Teaching Maths Modules?
ECTs who are participating in SKTM programmes are registered on Elevate. ECTs not participating in the SKTM programme will need to contact their local Maths Hub to request access to the modules.
For further information, please go to the NCETM website ECT Expertise in Teaching Maths Modules | NCETM or contact your local Maths Hub.
Intensive Support: Strengthening Maths Leadership
What is it?
Intensive Support is a relatively new initiative from Sussex Maths Hub, designed to help schools refine and strengthen leadership. This support is facilitated by Intensive Support Partners (ISP), all of whom are experienced Primary and Secondary leaders and teachers based across Sussex. By working closely with an ISP, schools can benefit from tailored, sustained professional development that builds leadership capacity.
Over the last two years, several schools across Sussex have benefited from engaging in ‘Intensive Support’, we would like to share some of the collective experiences of some of these schools, and the key benefits in joining this initiative.
Why Engage with Intensive Support?
Schools often face evolving challenges, such as changes in leadership, curriculum adjustments, or the need to refine teaching strategies. Sussex Maths Hub’s Intensive Support initiative provides dedicated expertise, and collaborative support to help schools navigate these complexities.
ISPs work in partnership with leaders to build capacity within the school, as well as develop a supportive culture and good foundations for implementing improvements in the teaching and learning of maths. This is achieved through the ISP and the school working in partnership to explore, plan, deliver and sustain the implementation of a bespoke improvement plan.
Supporting Leaders and Teachers
Across multiple schools, Intensive Support has played a crucial role in making improvements in the quality of maths leadership and teaching. Many schools have found that having an ISP working alongside them has helped them reflect and explore current practice, identify priorities and outline bespoke plans that have been put action.
In 2023/24, most schools shared how this initiative had been invaluable, helping maths leaders to develop their skills, supporting them in becoming more proactive and/or confident in moving maths forward. One school shared how their maths lead was supported in implementing changes to the whole school approach to planning in maths, which not only helped improve the quality of teaching in specific year groups, but also contributed to establishing a culture of collaboration and shared expertise amongst staff.
Intensive Support focuses on incremental improvements rather than rapid overhauls, so as to support schools in identifying where best to put their efforts when prioritising ‘lasting change’, as well as ensure that the quality of teaching continues to develop and strengthen over time.
Key Takeaways from the Schools Involved in 2023-2024
Subject leaders…
- found the process of co-constructing an implementation plan for maths beneficial and supportive
- were confident in identifying key priorities for their school alongside their ISP
- felt effective and confident at leading change in their school through using an effective cycle of implementation
- were more confident in guiding staff effectively.
Interested in Applying:
Key information:
- Cost? Intensive Support in Mathematics is fully funded , so is free to schools who are eligible and able to make the required commitment.
- Release Time? Funded release time for school participants to develop and deliver the improvement work designed to fit their context.
- Number of Days? Ranging from a total of 4-5 day’s worth of support time across the academic year.
- Phase? Open to both primary and secondary schools.
Who can take part?
Schools can apply if they do not currently have the capacity to engage with the standard Teaching for Mastery Programme.
To ensure a positive impact on teaching and learning in maths, schools need to be committed to making long-term improvements in maths, and to work closely with us over a number of years. This includes a commitment to joining a Teaching for Mastery Programme in future years.
Please contact Sussex Maths Hub to find out more about Intensive Support, and see if your school is eligible.
