Fundamental Skills For Trainee Teachers (English & mathematics)
South Farnham SCITT use diagnostic assessments during the recruitment process to see where applicants are at the initial stage of their journey to become a teacher. These are used to inform training needs, so that all fundamental skills are secure before the end of the training period.
Fundamental skills in English and mathematics comprise the following:
- Speaking, listening and communication - 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 - A teacher's writing will be seen by colleagues, pupils and parents, 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.
- Mathematics - 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.
- Mathematics - Teachers should be able to complete mathematical calculations 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 skills outlined above are incorporated into our training programme and there are targeted sessions for those needing additional support. There is also an option for our trainees to request additional subject knowledge training through workshop based activities.
Support materials
The following texts/websites are very useful sources of support:
Useful Websites:
- https://Youtube.co.uk (QTS tutor has many great videos)
- https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum-assessments-practice-materials
- www.revisionmaths.com is packed with past exam papers, mark schemes and revision materials - great for trainee subject knowledge or for help before taking an equivalency test. Click here.
Useful Books:
- Carol Vorderman ‘Help Your Kids With…’ books. There is a very good selection of English and Maths books - outstanding reference guides with an at a glance guide to all topics
- CGP revision booklets are brilliant and are only £5.95 each - child friendly explanations really help adults too (https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/primary-books/ks2). Our two top recommendations are:
‘Mathematics explained for Primary Teachers’ Derek Haylock- a core book for use whilst teaching Mathematics.