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A Year in the Life of a Lead Practitioner


In May 2007 I was successful in my application to be a Lead Practitioner for Academies for the academic year 2007-8. This role involved disseminating best practice in my subject (mathematics) through regional networks. I also ran events throughout the country and produced resources for the SSAT website.

The major event that I conducted and co-ordinated was entitled Teaching Mathematics 2008: A Compendium and featured a cross-section of cutting edge techniques aiming to inspire the mathematics teacher, effectively employ new technologies and help raise achievement for the 14-19 education sector. This seminar was delivered by an exciting combination of expert teachers and renowned educationalists in the field of mathematics, and was held in the mathematically historic Bletchley Park, with delegates being given the opportunity of a tour of the museum to end the day’s activities. The seminar was well-attended and warmly received. Comments from delegates included the following:

  • A stunning day. Great ideas and suggestions for ICT and active learning
  • I am going home to make a TV and buy a skip. Also to analyse mock exams
  • I gained an idea of what is available to assist teaching maths using ICT
  • ATM software demonstration was excellent; didn’t know of its existence
  • Questions posed by John Mason and Anne Watson - it made me think! Reminded me more about how pupils may think in certain situations
  • I will use A-C strategies & self-evaluation ideas
  • We are using the Beds Exam analysis spreadsheet from your event – my Head of Department is very excited about it!
  • Thinking time was appreciated
  • The relaxed approach of the speakers (was useful), enabling discussion to ensue
  • The museum tour was the icing on the cake for an excellent course!

    Being an SSAT Lead Practitioner has, in particular, impacted on my approach to learners and learner engagement. Over the year I have developed my Visual and Kinaesthetic approaches to learning which has been the focus of the Case Study I have submitted to the SSAT website.

    I have also presented lectures and workshops based on these approaches in schools, academies and for workers in other educational establishments (for example prisons) countrywide.

    I am currently applying to the SSAT for my second year as Lead Practitioner.

    George Hardy

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