Fundamental English and Maths Skills
In accordance with the DfE guidelines we will need to assure that you have the necessary skills in maths and English to become a teacher.
You will be expected to demonstrate competence in the following by the end of your course:
- Speaking, listening and communicating
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
This 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.
- Interpreting data and graphs
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.
- Mathematical calculations
Teachers need to calculate 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 process for assessing your skills will have started at the interview stage and you should already have a good sense of whether you need to develop your skills in either English or mathematics. To further support your assessment of your skills you will need to complete the National Numeracy Challenge before the start of the course. This will be discussed with you at your first tutorial.
At the University of Nottingham we see the development of these fundamental skills as being an embedded part of developing understanding of the roles and responsibilities of being a teacher and a professional and, throughout the course, you will have opportunities to improve your skills and understanding. That said, if you are aware that there is work to be done, or this was raised by the tutor that interviewed you or you have been given a recommendation post-interview, then it is important you make the most of time before the course starts to develop your confidence and competence.
Resources that will develop your skills
English
- If you are worried about your academic writing skills and your ability to write essays, free courses from the Open University will be helpful
- The Language Blog goes back to basics and goes through the building blocks of language, nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs
- The Cambridge Assessment English website gives you access to free practice resources for the Cambridge C2 English proficiency exam
- Free courses with the Open University focus on everyday English and maths skills
- The BBC have a collection of videos and resources to help adults improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills
Maths
- Mathematics Explained was developed by Derek Haycock for trainee teachers when they used to have to pass the QTS test. There are a set of short check-up tests with answers, as well as materials to learn key concepts.
- Understanding Maths for Teachers are a series of free courses that look at key maths concepts. They are designed for primary teachers but cover the key fundamental skills
- National Numeracy offer a free smartphone game that helps you develop and practise everyday maths skills through a movie-set
- Free courses with the Open University focus on everyday English and maths skills
- The BBC have a collection of videos and resources to help adults improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills