I have been involved in curriculum development in maths throughout my career adjusting to changing environments and expectations. Maths for all, with adaptive, rigorous and effective teaching is my passion.

I originally taught in mainstream secondary schools, before becoming the founding headteacher of the Christian School (Takeley) where I worked until it closed in June 2024. Throughout, I taught maths to GCSE and in the later years added preparation for Functional Skills exams and AQA Level 2 Further Maths to enrich Key Stage 4.

Pupils diagnosed with mental health problems, ADHD and ADD, were always in the mix of a very small, faith based school where I was part of a dedicated team of teachers, each of us committed to achieving the best for each pupil using our own resourcefulness and available technology.

 I believe that progress in maths is built on early and sustained perceptions of real success. A low self-belief may be countered through opportunities to make a new start and encouragement in what has already been achieved. I have seen pupils labelled as failing go on to get good GCSEs.

I teach through modelling tasks and starting with a low-stakes activity, move to a supported scaffolded task. Extended questions promote independent learning and build towards mastery. All of this is reactive, adapting to the needs of the pupil and with the aim of securing strong academic outcomes for all pupils. I believe that students thrive when work is pitched at the right level and when getting things wrong is understood to be just part of the learning journey. Self-belief is key in learning maths so that success breeds success.