Product reviews for Leading Maths

Having previously read Peter Mattock’s excellent ‘Conceptual Maths’, I was expecting another text of quality and clarity, and that is what I got. This slim volume of around 150 pages offers a series of chapters covering so many aspects of the role of a subject leader, some of which I wouldn’t even have thought of if I were asked to compile a list.

The style of the book makes it a useful reference text. It can be read cover to cover, but the clearly labelled sections make it a good book to dip into at different times when different tips are needed. Throughout it offers realistic scenarios for the subject leader, and covers all eventualities with key questions, clear responses and broader advice. As well as offering strategies, Peter explains the purpose and reasoning behind them. This can be useful for the maths leader who is asked those perennial questions by colleagues of ‘Why are we doing this?’, ‘Why are we changing this?’ and so on.

Each chapter ends with a summary of key points which in themselves can provide a quick info-bite if needed in a hurry, although the chapter sections are generally no longer than a page each, so the book is readily accessible, and I recommend it as a useful handbook for new or aspiring maths leaders.