You may have noticed that it’s been a little quiet on the Highland Numeracy Blog for a while now. Unfortunately early in Term 4 we were told that the Development Officer positions for both numeracy and literacy were being discontinued and Jenny (literacy DO) and I were moved full time over to work with the schools that are part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge Schools Programme within Highland. Along with my colleagues, I have worked with these schools for the last 3 years and am excited to continue working with them full time however I am bitterly disappointed that the Highland wide work can’t continue for us.
Julie had also been seconded for the past two years working as part of the Development Officer team but with schools not being given the option this year to get numeracy support through PEF this means that she will be going back to her substantive post at Milton. Again, while extremely disappointed not to be able to continue with the Highland wide work she is delighted to be able to continue to focus full time on maths and will be working across both Milton Primary and South Lodge Primary.
While some things have come to an end and we will no longer have capacity to run Highland wide training I will endeavour to try and share any materials that are created as part of the work I’m doing with the schools I’m working with where this is possible.
In terms of new beginnings, I’m also excited to have been accepted to start a PhD. Unsurprisingly there will be a maths focus to this and I’ll be looking specifically at ways to adapt something known as ‘lesson study’ to support professional development in numeracy and maths in areas like Highland where schools can be very diverse from one to the next and the geographical spread of the schools poses a challenge when it comes to access to professional development.
So there’s a mixture of feelings, disappointment that the Highland wide work has come to an end for us but excitement to continue working with a number of schools and a mixture of nerves and excitement that the opportunities that embarking on a PhD will bring.
I hope you’ve all had a great summer and are looking forward to the year ahead.
Highland Numeracy Blog 
It is really disappointing to hear that the development officer roles that Jenny and yourself have held have come to an end. You both worked so enthusiastically to share your knowledge and understanding, deliver training and develop resources to ensure that the teaching and learning experiences in numeracy and literacy, for both pupils and staff within the Highlands and beyond, were delivered and received with greater understanding. You have both been very highly respected and appreciated in your development roles. The dedication you have both shown has been very influential on the resulting positve, enjoyable and productive learning experiences for all involved.
The schools you will still be involved with are very lucky indeed!
Thank you for all you have done within your role and good luck with your new beginnings!
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Thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment Audrey, it is very much appreciated. I hope you’ve had a great summer.
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Thank you for all your hard work and enthusiasm! 🙂 x
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You’re welcome – we hope it’s been useful.
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