Head of Mathematics for 15 years and Standards Consultant at Notre Dame for 5 years as part of the Leading Edge Programme. Pete Sides currently supports and advises Mathematics departments in the Sheffield and Barnsley Area.

As Standards Consultant he evaluates all departments at Notre Dame on a roll-ing basis every two years. His reports are based on inspecting examination data, schemes of work, development plans and other documentation as well as lesson observations with the colleagues in a department.

A shorter version of the evaluation process is offered to schools who wish to diagnose from a developmental point of view, a department's aspects of strength, priority areas for development and longer term strategies for improve-ment.

The Standards Consultant will write a short report based on either a day or two half day visits to the department. Included in this time should be time to meet and discuss with the Head of Department and where the school feels it neces-sary other designated staff.

A day should be chosen where a cross section of lessons can be observed. Whole lessons will not be formally observed, but a "learning walk" across the department, preferably unannounced should be able to take place. Ideally ex-amples across each key stage should be available to be seen.

Prior to the visit up to date schemes of work, progress tracking data and the department's development plan including audit if available should be forwarded for inspection.

The two day cost of the evaluation will include a days visit, half day writing time and half day feedback meeting time to staff designated by the school. The re-port will include a summary evaluation of observed strengths and identify areas recommended for development including strategies for improving progress.

The Standards Consultant may elect to bring a colleague to help collect the nec-essary information and conduct observations at no additional cost to the school.

Bookings being taken now for the new RAMP Course

This new programme aims to give teachers of Maths the opportunity to reflect on their practice and to share with peers strategies that have been successful in raising the achievement in their schools. They will explore and develop pedagogy that can be applied and adapted to meet their students' needs and develop links with other local schools.

This is not a "How to Teach Maths" course but a development programme for teachers where examples of classroom strategy and practice will be related to the context of a Maths lesson.

The aim of the programme, with 6 sessions spread across a term, is to sustainably raise the quality of Maths lessons and so the achievement of students.

Who is it for?

• Leaders & Teachers of Maths wishing to re-invigorate their teaching method and style.

• Leaders & Teachers of Maths wishing to reflect on their current practice and explore new strategies.

Price £550