To recommend trainee teachers for QTS, PLS must assure that trainee teachers demonstrate proficiencies in English and mathematics. These are directed by the DfE and are as follows:
English
Speaking, listening, and communicating are fundamental to a teacher’s role. Teachers should use standard English grammar, clear pronunciation, and vocabulary relevant to the situation to convey instructions, questions, information, concepts, and ideas with clarity. Teachers should read fluently and with good understanding.
Writing by teachers will be seen by colleagues, pupils, and parents and, as such, it is important that a teacher’s writing reflects the high standards of accuracy their professional role demands. They should write clearly, accurately, legibly, and coherently using correct spelling and punctuation.
Mathematics
Teachers should use data and graphs to interpret information, identify patterns and trends and draw appropriate conclusions. They need to interpret pupil data and understand statistics and graphs in the news, academic reports, and relevant papers. Teachers should be able to complete mathematical calculations fluently with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. They should be able to solve mathematical problems using a variety of methods and approaches, including estimating and rounding, sense-checking answers, breaking down problems into simpler steps, and explaining and justifying answers using appropriate language.
Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure such fundamental English and mathematics, whereas responsibility for assurance lies with the accredited ITT provider.