HLTA Secondary Maths and Science Case Study
Since becoming an HLTA, Andrew's role has changed. He
has a new job description and helps support individual
students. He also supervises the GCSE students and oversees
those upper sixth students who carry out investigations outside
lesson time. In addition, he oversees health and safety
issues in the science classrooms.
Andrew is very happy with what he is
doing and particularly enjoys
the hands-on aspects of science.
He says: "I want to get across to
the pupils the enthusiasm I have
for the subject, specifically the
practical side to science that
really makes it stand out."
The head of department comments that when Andrew is
working in the classroom with a
teacher there are enormous
benefits for the pupils, with the
teacher able to give so much
more to small groups or
individuals.
She says,"Where Andrew has
come into a class he has been
able to take a child on very
quickly, beyond that of the rest
of the group. He is now more
involved with the pupils. They
appreciate and understand both
the teacher's role and his
contribution. Andrew has
developed an understanding of
the challenge of the teacher and
is able to be even more
supportive as a result. The work
of the HLTA is making a big
difference."
HLTA Secondary Specialisms
HLTA status provides valuable professional development and recognition for the significant
contribution that teaching assistants make to pupils' learning. Specific funding is now available for
TAs working in Secondary Maths and Science to achieve the status.
Best Practice Network has developed flexible training and preparation programmes for Secondary
Science and Maths teaching assistants. The programmes
recognise the wide range of training needs of potential HLTAs and are delivered through core modules
that include two 2 day workshops plus individual and online learning opportunities.
The programmes will address the KS3/4 subject curriculum and related national strategy
requirements. There are opportunities for candidates to attend up to three subject skills workshops.
We also integrate modules from our elearning suite into the programme to allow candidates to extend
their leadership and communication skills. Elearning allows candidates to work at their own pace and
convenience through a process which is fully supported by the Best Practice Network team.
Between the modules there are school-based activities which will enable candidates to:
- Contribute to and review curriculum planning
- Observe expert practitioners in their own and other schools
- Build their knowledge and understanding of specific aspects of the subject
- Follow through action research projects, selected to meet their individual needs
We also provide a training module for those subject mentors who will be working with the candidates.
The HLTA Secondary Mathematics
and Science Pilot research summary and programme update presents the high level findings of the HLTA
mathematics and science pilot and general delivery plans for the programme in 2007 and beyond. It will interest all those
working in local authorities and schools to support the
development of HLTAs and any prospective HLTAs with a
mathematics or science subject specialism.
To discuss how the programme can be
delivered in your school, network or local authority,
please contact denniscarty@bestpracticenet.co.uk
(West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber)
and hlta@bestpracticenet.co.uk
(South West and South East)
We look forward to working with you
to support your potential Maths
and Science candidates to gain HLTA.
