We’ve news and updates of funded teaching for mastery CPD opportunities for primary and secondary teachers starting in September.

Also this month:

• More multiplication and division materials for primary teachers published
• Why and how to use the ‘ping pong’ teaching style
• Six ways to boost Core Maths student numbers
• Resources linked to maths storybooks, and women in maths
• In brief.

Secondary teaching for mastery CPD opportunities

Secondary maths teachers and their departments can now apply to take part in the ongoing NCETM and Maths Hubs teaching for mastery CPD programmes. These fully-funded professional development opportunities are available from September 2019.

From NQTs to Heads of Department, all maths teachers can benefit. There are two programmes on offer: Teaching for Mastery Work Groups, and the Mastery Specialists programme. Both aim to develop individual teachers and their school departments.

More information about these opportunities, and the application forms, are on our Secondary Mastery Opportunities page. If you’re interested in the Mastery Specialist programme, make sure you submit your application to us by 5pm on 26 April .

Last few places available on our funded primary Teaching for Mastery Programme

The first deadline for applying to join the primary Teaching for Mastery Programme, run by Maths Hubs across England in 2019/20, falls at the end of next week, 22 March. The programme will help teachers develop the skills and knowledge to introduce teaching for mastery in their classrooms, and sow seeds for whole school change.

Following that deadline, successful candidates will be informed of next steps and how to prepare for the start of the Work Group in September. Details of a second round of applications for schools will be announced on the NCETM website soon. We recommend that you apply early, since securing your place will enable you to integrate your participation into your school planning for next year.

Find out more and apply

More multiplication and division materials for primary teachers published

We’re continuing to publish our new multiplication and division materials to support primary teachers, part of the wider suite of mastery professional development materials. These are now complete for Years 1 and 2. Further batches will follow later this year, as well as materials to support the teaching of fractions.

Why and how to use the ‘ping pong’ teaching style

The ‘episodic’ or ‘ping pong' teaching approach can be one of the most striking features of a mastery-style lesson. But what is it exactly and how does it affect decisions when planning lessons?

In a new podcast, two Primary Mastery Specialists take us through the fine detail of their episodic lesson planning.

They give their understanding of the theory and explain how it is implemented in their schools. Each of them then takes us through the episodes of a recent lesson in detail, explaining each planning decision.

Listen to the podcast

How to get more students taking Core Maths

The latest article on our Features page shows how an Essex college has successfully used six ways to boost the numbers taking Core Maths.    

Maths through stories and women in maths

Last week, to mark International Women's Day and World Book Day, we published features highlighting opportunities for girls in maths, and ideas for books that bring out maths learning. Both have plenty of useful ideas, relevant throughout the year.

In brief

• Grants are available to support those attending the June conference of our partner organisation, MEI. Autograph is offering a 50% bursary to a limited number of new career teachers (apply by 24 May), and LMS CPD grants are being offered to practising UK teachers to help cover conference costs (apply by 30 April). MEI’s conference page has more details.
• The British Society for the History of Mathematics (BSHM) has a small grants scheme to encourage the study of the history of maths. The scheme aims to provide small grants (from £100 to £500) for specific research purposes. There are two rounds of funding each year: the current round closes on 31 March. Find out more and apply.
• Cracking the Code is part of Maths Mission, aiming to find innovative new ways to improve problem-solving and maths skills. It’s a two-part competition suitable for KS3 and KS4 students across the UK, and is now open. Find out more.

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