“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I can assure you mine are still greater.”
- Albert Einstein
Mathematics provides the foundation for understanding the world through logic, pattern, and problem-solving. It equips learners with the skills to think critically, reason systematically, and communicate ideas with precision and creativity. Mathematics empowers pupils to explore connections, discover relationships, and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts through fostering confidence, curiosity, and perseverance in tackling complex challenges.
Through subject-specific training sessions, trainees will develop secure knowledge of key mathematical concepts such as number, algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability, while refining the pedagogical skills essential to high-quality maths teaching. You will also explore how to inspire curiosity and resilience in learners, helping them to see mathematics not just as a set of procedures, but as a creative and interconnected discipline that underpins science, technology, and the wider world.
You will train within a dedicated Mathematics cohort throughout the year. This focused approach ensures that you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to teach across the full mathematics curriculum.
All secondary Mathematics trainees receive specialist subject training within their placement schools, supported by a dedicated and highly experienced subject mentor. Explicit links are made across teaching phases from KS2 to KS5, ensuring the content goes beyond the KS3 and KS4 National Curriculum to promote a deep understanding of mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and learner progression across all key stages.
Meet the Mathematics Subject Lead, Richard Whitfield
I’m Richard Whitfield, and I’m delighted to be your Subject Lead for Mathematics. With over 20 years’ experience of teaching mathematics at secondary level across the Yorkshire and North East regions, I have had the privilege of guiding and supporting countless trainees and colleagues. During my career, I have taken on a range of leadership roles, including Head of Mathematics for a large secondary school before progressing to senior leadership positions, with a particular focus on developing high-quality teaching and learning. I am especially passionate about mentoring new and early career teachers, and I hold specialist leader of education status in the ‘quality of teaching, learning, and assessment for initial teacher training’. I truly believe that mathematics is a vital subject, equipping students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that open doors both academically and in everyday life.
Your training year offers a unique blend of challenge and reward, and I look forward to guiding you through the complexities and wonders of the secondary mathematics curriculum. Together, we’ll investigate everything from the logic of algebra to the real-world relevance of geometry and statistics. Our dedicated sessions are crafted to nurture your confidence, expand your expertise, and refine your teaching methods. Throughout the coming months, we will collaborate closely as you evolve into thoughtful, impactful mathematics educators.