University celebrates success of joint mathematics project

A celebration of the impact of this project took place at the university’s Falmer campus. Sixteen primary schools from across Brighton and Hove came together to give a presentation on how the collaboration has improved mathematics teaching in their schools.

The project has been funded by the Department of Education, Strategic School Improvement Fund and brought an additional £150,000 into Brighton and Hove schools. Sussex Coast Teaching School Alliance has worked closely with Coldean Primary School and University of Brighton primary mathematics tutors to share expertise in mathematics and spread this knowledge to other schools.

Luke Lording, Headteacher at Mile Oak School in Hangleton said “I cannot speak highly enough of this project and the impact it has had on our staff and most importantly our children.”

Primary mathematics tutors from the University of Brighton, Lesley Hope and Richard Harvey-Swanston, supported the schools in developing a collaborative approach to professional development by adopting a “lesson study” model.

Following the evaluation event they said: “The project participants have shown tremendous commitment to driving change in their schools. They have developed new ways of working, both within the project group and in their own settings, which will enable them to continue the progress in teaching and learning already made.”

Benfield Primary School was selected to become a national teaching school, known as the Sussex Coast Teaching School Alliance in 2017 and has taken a lead role in helping schools across the city and beyond to develop and improve. Work has focused on collaborating with partner schools to develop leadership, share expertise and train the next generation of teachers.

Helen Horsley, Head of Sussex Coast Teaching School Alliance said: “This has been an excellent opportunity for schools across Brighton and Hove to raise standards in mathematics. We look forward to continued improvements as teachers use the skills they have learnt.”