Find Out in Five – the Further Education Mastery Specialist Programme

The FE Mastery Specialist Programme (also sometimes known as FEMS or the Post-16 GCSE and FSQ Mastery Specialist Programme) is now in its fourth year, with hundreds of specialists already developing teaching for mastery approaches in colleges across the country. This 2+ year programme is aimed at those who teach GCSE resit and/or Functional Skills Maths in FE colleges, post-16 colleges and other eligible settings. It equips participants with practical, evidence-informed strategies to improve learners’ maths skills and confidence. We hear from Emma Bell, NCETM Director for Post-16 GCSE/FSQ and leader of the programme, to learn more about what’s involved, and why you should become an FE Mastery Specialist.

1) What does the programme involve?

In the first year, participants develop their own mastery specialism, and explore the principles of mastery within their own contexts. They try out approaches in their classrooms with their own learners, then come together with others on the programme to discuss, collaborate and reflect. This might be online, or at residential events. In the second year, specialists work towards attaining NCETM-accredited PD Lead status, so they can work with colleagues in their own settings to develop teaching for mastery in maths across the college. 

Beyond the second year, FE Mastery Specialists continue to support their colleagues to embed mastery principles in their teaching, and they become part of the FE Mastery Specialists Embedding the Impact Community, allowing them to maintain the professional relationships they developed during the training.

2) What have FEMS who have taken part so far said about the programme?

They have genuinely loved it! Whatever their FE setting, participants have one thing in common – a real desire to support their learners to become confident with maths. They have said that the programme has given them the opportunity to try things out in their classrooms then come back and discuss them with their peers in a supportive and open environment. 

Sean, a Cohort 2 Mastery Specialist who works in Plymouth, said he really liked the ‘fresh ideas’ and ‘new approaches’ he learned as part of the programme. John, a Cohort 2 Mastery Specialist from Eastbourne, loves the community of like-minded FE teachers that he has become part of, and told me that he has ‘made so many friends’ and that ‘the networking’s been fantastic’.

3) What might participants expect to learn during the programme?

Our focus throughout is on the principles of teaching for mastery, and how they apply in a post-16 setting. We focus on the Five Big Ideas, and really unpick and reflect upon how they work for GCSE resit and Functional Skills.

Participants leave every residential and online session inspired, with loads of practical ideas and activities to try out. These might include ways to use bar models, double number lines, ratio tables or algebra tiles. They can also expect the opportunity to share ideas with others in their cohort, and to hear how activities have gone down with learners in different settings.

4) What do participants say the impact has been on their learners?

It’s been fantastic to hear the real changes that Mastery Specialists see in their learners. We know that those taking GCSE resit can feel discouraged by their previous experiences of maths, so changing their mindset about their potential to succeed is important. Participants have said that they have seen increased engagement from their learners, particularly when trying out new approaches and manipulatives. Resilience has also improved, with participants saying their classes are more willing to have a go at problem solving, and to discuss the maths that they are learning with each other. 

It’s so powerful to hear about the real impact that the programme has on learners, and to know that Mastery Specialists, when they share their learning with colleagues, can benefit learners beyond their own classroom.

5) What advice do you have for anyone thinking of applying?

I’m really proud of the FE Mastery Specialist Programme, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the community moves forward as the programme grows and grows. I know there are FE teachers out there who would be amazing Mastery Specialists, and would bring their enthusiasm and experience to the programme.

Like the participants who have taken part so far, I say go for it! Speak to your college leaders to let them know what you want to do and the huge benefits it will bring college-wide for maths, then apply. Don’t miss out – we can’t wait to hear from you!

'I wouldn’t go back, this has changed my teaching practice forever. The FE Mastery Specialist Programme is definitely one of the most impactful programmes that I have been on in the last 20 years.'
Sarah, Cohort 1 FEMS