The aims and intended outcomes of AMSP professional development programmes are consistent with the principles set out in the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework. We offer teachers the opportunity to improve their subject knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge by providing a wide range of professional development, offered in flexible formats to suit teachers’ needs and availability. Our professional development enables teachers to build up their practice and subject knowledge over time through programmes designed to meet their needs.
On Demand Professional Development (ODPD)
Summary: A set of on-demand resources comprising short videos with associated materials focussing on a diverse set of topics which are less widely available via other professional development media. Participants communicate with each other and a supporting tutor via online forums.
Outcomes: As a result of active participation in the course, a participant can expect to have gathered the elements required to offer the topics covered with confidence and to have access to a collection of resources to support that offer.
Next steps: Participants have a wide range of options within ODPD itself and might also look to a live online professional development course or local network to make opportunities to discuss pedagogy with other teachers in a live environment. Participants may look to deepen their subject knowledge and pedagogy further by enrolling on an extended course.
Subject Knowledge Live
Summary: A series of live sessions in an online classroom, on the same evening over several weeks. Typically, the focus is on subject knowledge giving participants the confidence to deliver a component of a Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Core Maths course in an engaging active way.
Outcomes: As a result of active participation in the course, a participant can expect to have gathered the elements required to offer the topics covered with confidence and to have access to Integral teaching and learning resources to support that offer.
Next steps: On completion participants might look to an on demand online course to further develop subject knowledge related to topics unique to their own specification. Participants may look to deepen their subject knowledge and pedagogy further by enrolling on an extended course.
Networks
Summary: Coordinated by an AMSP Area Coordinator or Associate, a network sees a local group of teachers meeting after school on an approximately termly basis for discussion and input from different presenters. Networks are open to all teachers in the locality and the focus of meetings is determined by the group.
Outcomes: Through a network, a participant can expect to establish local links and share good practice. They will have a forum for sharing interesting ideas or raising concerns.
Next steps: It is expected that participants will value network meetings as ongoing professional development over several years, requesting discussion on aspects of interest to them and their colleagues. Through the network they will benefit from raised awareness of other AMSP PD.
One-day courses and conferences
Summary: A focussed 1-day programme of PD, addressing either an area of subject knowledge or pedagogy. These are typically arranged by AMSP Area Coordinators to meet a local request or need.
Outcomes: Delegates attending will acquire a detailed overview of the topic covered, ideas and resources for classroom use and will have made links with course tutors and other teachers attending. They will also receive access to all materials used during the course.
Next steps: Participants will be better prepared to continue their own learning in the area in question. They should also be developing towards teaching the content covered for themselves. Participants may look to deepen their subject knowledge and pedagogy further by enrolling on a sustained course.
Maths Hubs Work Groups
Summary: Work Groups are designed to encourage collaborative change across whole departments rather than just change in individual teacher practice. The focus is on developing aspects of pedagogy rather than subject knowledge. Participants form a local community of ongoing support.
Outcomes: As a result of active participation in a Work Group, participants should expect to take a leading role in embedding related good practice across their department. They will have an understanding of related research evidence.
Next steps: On completion participants might consider taking part in The NCETM Accredited PD Lead Programme.
Extended courses
Summary: Our most extensive offer of support, designed for teachers who wish to develop and deepen their A level subject knowledge and pedagogy by focussing on specific content included in the A level Mathematics/Further Mathematics curriculum over a period of six months or more. Our courses typically include a combination of face-to-face study days, synchronous online sessions and access to sustained course resources and Integral teaching and learning resources. All courses are appropriate for all specifications.
Outcomes: Through active participation in the course, a participant can expect to embark on teaching the area of focus with confidence. They will be in a position to bring new ideas to their department.
Next steps: On completion participants might be interested in taking a leading role within their department or in a local Maths Hub Work Group.