The four-year programme, to begin in September, will be run by Kieran Mackle, an outstanding practitioner, a MaST (Primary Mathematics Specialist Teacher) and author of “Tackling Misconceptions in Primary Mathematics”, published by Routledge, earlier this year. As one of the 50 Specialist Leaders of Education selected to attend the 2014 Department for Education Shanghai project, Kieran has already observed the ‘mastery’ approach first hand and has identified transferable practices to be used in the UK.
Chris Jackson, Head of School at King’s Farm Primary School and Collaboration Lead, said: “Our ultimate commitment is to increase pupils’ enjoyment of maths and develop life-long passion for the subject. Longer term, we’ll use our knowledge and experience to share best practice enabling delivery of the programme within other schools in Gravesham.”
Nick Harland, Deputy Clerk at The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, said: “Lord Sutherland and the Trustees of the Goldsmiths’ Charity are delighted to support this innovative approach and look forward to seeing it become a reality in September 2017.”
Pam Jones OBE, Executive Head of The Cedar Federation, said: “We are thrilled that the three schools have been awarded this exciting opportunity which will see pupils’ aspirations and attainment raised. We look forward to sharing our progress and learning with other schools in Gravesham”. As a Governor of the Cedar Federation, incorporating Kings Farm Primary (according to Ofsted, a school that 'serves a community with above-average levels of deprivation' and Ifield Special School (Ofsted Outstanding with a national reputation) I am delighted and proud of this recognition of the potential at Kings Farm to take on this challenge.