English and maths community network

Who are we? 

We are an informal network of middle leaders and teachers with a simple aim to connect, share and develop our practice to improve what we do for our students. 

Participating colleges involved in recent activity includes:

Bolton College, Bury College, Derby College, East Durham College, Grimsby College, Hopwood Hall, Kirklees College, The Manchester College, Oldham College, Tameside College, Sheffield College and Wigan & Leigh.

What do we do?

We meet both face-to-face and online to explore and consider some the key challenges and opportunities in helping our students to become confident and competent in English and mathematics.

We recognise the wealth of experience throughout our network, and value the contributions of all within and across our communities of practice. Whilst we work within the cannon of pedagogical theory our approach to professional development builds on our collective knowledge and “what works well” for our students.

We believe that throughout our network of leaders, managers and teachers we have a wide range of expertise and knowledge in developing the skills and knowledge of our learners and in developing curriculum that enhances and enables our student to progress, whatever their starting point.

As a collective we engage with and consider key education policy changes and look to inform and influence others from an evidenced knowledge base on the development of English and maths education post 16. 

Through our partnership colleges we link with other networks that support our aspirations and embrace the opportunities, new initiatives and projects that help us to improve what we do for our students.  

Our current projects & activities

English and maths resources for vocational teachers 

English, Maths & Digital TRIP 

EMD TRIP

T levels are a new technical qualification launched from September 2020.  This T Level Regional Improvement Project builds on the work of our English and maths network to consider how we develop the English, maths and digital skills our students need to be successful on their T Level programme and in work.  

Funded by the Education and Training Foundation the project makes best use of quality CPD provided through the T Level Professional Development Programme and develops further CPD activities through our dynamic community of practice.

Both face-to-face and online colleagues share practice and resources and work together to address the key challenges and opportunities that T Levels offer.  With a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion the project is also considering how best to design and develop Transition programmes so that students gain the English, maths and digital skills they need to be successful on T Levels, other technical level 3 qualifications and in work.

Activities include:

• Learning Exchanges – with colleges who have high levels of success in delivery of English and maths 
• Digital masterclasses – led by experts in both industry technology and learning
• Network events – to consider emerging themes, challenges and opportunities to develop and expand good practice in full embedding of English, maths and digital in T Levels

So how do I get involved? 

Just get in touch and we will include you in our updates and invite you to join our LinkedIn network.

Recent Events 

• November 2019 – English and maths (& digital!) network 
• January 2020 – English and maths (& digital!) network
• March 2020 – English and maths (& digital!) network

Useful resources and links