Leading Maths

Leading maths at any school is a unique challenge and comes with pressures not experienced in many other subject areas. The relatively abstract nature of the subject content, combined with the contrasting societal and parental attitudes to mathematics, can complicate communication and stifle progress. Most pupils and parents will recognise the importance of maths but many feel it's perfectly acceptable to be "no good" at it. Leading maths in schools is about managing these contradictions and getting the very best out of every teacher and pupil.

Offering a fresh perspective and practical strategies for maths teachers and leaders at any level, Leading Mathsexplores how to make the most of a maths leadership role and manage the daily pressures and demands that come with it. Backed up by specific examples from fifteen years of experience leading maths, Peter Mattock goes on to examine the more long-term, strategic view of maths leadership, including how leaders can work with their teams to develop high quality mathematics teaching and learning for all pupils.

The book covers day-to-day issues that arise when leading maths, in particular results and accountability, as well as difficult situations more generally. It offers useful takeaways at the end of each chapter, with a summary of key points and advice from the chapter. Leading Maths explores how to manage an inspection, developing improvement plans and the appraisal process, before touching on taking maths leadership beyond one specific school and into system leadership.

In addition to Peter's insight, Leading Maths also contains contributions from other experienced maths practitioners, including Becky Lawrence, Jemma Sherwood, Rhiannon Rainbow and Dave Tushingham. Becky examines some of the specific approaches to leading primary maths, whilst Jemma does the same from her perspective as a maths lead across a large multi-academy trust. Rhiannon and Dave then go on to discuss how to manage significant change from their experience of adapting curriculum and CPD during the COVID pandemic - including the beginnings of their (now famous) book club.

An essential guide for current, new, or aspiring maths leaders.

Leading Maths: The essential guide for new and aspiring maths leaders by Peter Mattock offers practical guidance and advice on how to approach maths leadership and explores the challenges and rewards that come with this unique role.

Whether you are considering a role in maths leadership, a seasoned leader or looking to go further than leading your department, Leading Maths provides invaluable insight and advice. Chapters deal with a range of relevant issues from organisational aspects to more complex themes around challenges within teams. Although more secondary leaning, advice and suggestions are applicable to primary and Mattock references these where possible. The whole tone of Leading Maths is conversational, clear and allows one to feel supported. Advice is sensible and, because it is based on experiences of Mattock and others via case studies, feels adaptable and actionable for any setting. Overall, Leading Maths is a vital read for anyone in maths leadership.

Lisa Coe

This book is packed full of helpful advice for a head of maths. Drawing extensively on the author's personal experience, Leading Maths provides guidance on the day-to-day operational aspects of the role, as well as the more strategic side of department leadership. It features practical research-informed ideas for managing and developing staff, dealing with difficult situations, covering absences, curriculum planning, assessment, recruitment, inspections and much more. This book will be of great value to any new or aspiring maths leader.

Jo