Kaye and Isabel's Story
Realising Our Goal: Building Networks and Communities of Practice
The Crystal Chandelier’s specialist numeracy network creates cohesion for a dispersed group of teachers and teacher trainers providing an opportunity to learn together; sharing ideas, information and good practice.
The numeracy network was set up as part of Learning South West’s Crystal Chandelier project to meet the needs of numeracy practitioners who wanted a subject specific network where they could update on the latest national and regional developments and discuss common issues.
Co-ordinators were sought with specialist knowledge and expertise in numeracy with Kaye Kerridge, Lecturer in Numeracy and Key Skills at Weymouth College and Isabel Peters, Curriculum Manager for Skills for Life at Poole Adult Learning taking on the role.
The Crystal Chandelier’s numeracy network responded to a need identified by its wider Good Practice Network and formed the basis of the Numeracy Cluster Group, supported by the Skills for Life Quality Improvement Programme.
According to Kaye and Isabel the network has created a valuable community of practice for a diverse and dispersed group of individuals.
Kaye said: “The network brings practitioners together giving the feeling of a united group working towards the same end goal. It provides an opportunity to network with practitioners from different providers so you get a feel for the situations they are teaching in; for instance, it’s quite different working in further education compared to working in adult education, or in prisons.”
“It is a wide group with lots of experience, from line managers to those teaching everyday. It’s great for making contacts and getting to know other people in Skills for Life.”
Kaye Kerridge, Lecturer in Numeracy and Key Skills at Weymouth College and Isabel Peters, Curriculum Manager for Skills for Life at Poole Adult Learning
Isabel added: “Because Kaye and I have been teaching for a long time we could share our experiences with people who were new to teaching. The network meetings can help build confidence and are a good opportunity to share ideas and experiences. It is an opportunity to meet other people and raise the focus of numeracy. “
“The Crystal Chandelier has raised the profile of numeracy and I am keen to build on this and have more networks locally which focus on our continuing professional development.”
The network sets it own agenda, including training days for practitioners to share ideas about resources, and benefits from expert advise such as the Steven Chinn conference, which brought together 160 practitioners from across the South West.
Paula Jones, Project Manager for the Crystal Chandelier project said: “Learning South West understands that practitioners really value networking opportunities. Creating these communities of practice for sharing ideas, information and resources in an open environment is a top priority for us.”