Did anyone else struggle with the QTS Numeracy test for teachers?

[FlorenceofArabia]

I had no trouble with the Literacy and ICT tests but I have failed the bloody Numeracy several times . I'm a mature student and have always struggled with maths but got my GCSE a few years ago with lots of studying. However, I've done the practice materials and get by but things go to pot when I take the actual tests.

The invigilator told me she has had some students take and fail the Numeracy test over 40 - yes FORTY - times .

Help!

[CupcakesHay]

to OP (florence) - I've had several teachign friends who've had to do it twice - most have found they got panicky about the test, and let nerves get the better of them.

Have a look back at the tests you've taken and see why you think you might be having problems - is it the time element or is it a certain area (such as decimals, or area or something).

I'm sure you'll get it next time - and as they say on my course - part of the training is reflecting on where you are going wrong and how to improve it. Better to have these hiccups now before you actually start teaching :)

[EcoLady]

Thalinda - this is a VERY old thread. No point advertising here.

[mumsneedwine]

Cat and whisker graphs anyone ? I have A Level maths from the 80s and I'd never seen one before I took this test. It is not that the maths is difficult its that the questions are long and fiddly. I did pass first time but then I'm a secondary scientist. The questions are NOT KS2 level. I'm sure your husband is already, but use the practice sessions on the website over and over again as the same type of questions do come up all the time. The mental bit is fast and I suggest he does these practice ones every day to speed up. Good luck to him and I bet he'll make a fantastic teacher

[mumsneedwine]

Whoops. Just seen how old this is !! Hopefully he's not still taking the test

[scissorhands201]

I have read the comments about needing good maths to teach at primary level and that is understandable, but how about those who wish to teach Fine Art at secondary level, why would they need to be speed mathematicians? It is utterly ridiculous, not everyone is geared towards maths and science. When will the Government realise that people are all different?

[fruitpastille]

Do you know what we say in my class? Not "I can't do it" we say "I can't do it YET". Nor is anyone told that they are just not clever enough if they get something wrong. I don't think adults are different - everyone is capable of improving if they put time and effort into it and I include the OP in this. Get loads of old sats papers, workbooks etc and do half an hour or so daily and keep trying. I've never been great at tests either as my a levels would testify but it has never been an issue in class. Some very fixed mindsets on this thread ;-)

[fruitpastille]

Eek, whoops!!

[ReallyTired]

This is a really old thread. I hope Florence passed her maths test. The latest trend in schools is "growth mindset". We should not write off someone as a teacher because they failed one test. It might mean the person needs substantial tutoring/ work before attempting the test again. There are tricks for passing multiple choice maths tests and improving mental arthimetic.

I did pass the qts numeracy test first time, but I never completed my pgce. I can give tips on how to do well at maths test. Qts math tests are nothing like school maths and do need to be prepared for even if you have a maths degree.

[spanieleyes]

Surely that's the point though ( and yes I appreciate Florence is probably either a Head by now or decided it wasn't worth the hastle!) Any prospective teacher should have the nouse to look at the practice tests, think "Whoops, no idea what cat and whisker boxes are "( I don't think these had been invented when I did GCE maths!!) and do enough self study to pass the tests with ease! I had 25 years between sitting my GCEs and sitting the QTS tests, there were some things I wasn't sure about ( and the ICT test was very odd!) but a bit of revision was all that was needed. If I couldn't do that, I didn't deserve to pass!

[Teacher24]

Wow, it's really sad to hear that some people genuinely believe that your competence in the classroom really hangs on your ability to pass this silly test. The numeracy skills test is unreliable on so many levels but that's an entirely separate debate. It is laughable to consider how much the test contradicts itself in the face of differentiation and inclusivity, both strong values at the centre of modern education. The skills test environment is by no means representative of a classroom experience. Therefore it is utter nonsense to say that potential teachers who fail this test several times under its pressure have no business teaching. Having taught for several years I've known some incredibly academically minded individuals, qualified to the hilt who've made terrible teachers and had poor levels of student achievement. Some of the better teachers I've observed that have struggled with maths and English, have actually taught more successfully because they relate to the struggles of their students and so go to great lengths to make sure they understand. Like a lot of things nowadays stopping perfectly capable people from achieving their dreams, this test is just another paper work detail. Appease the government by getting it done then forget about it and get on with being a damned good teacher.

[mrz]

Zombie thread hopefully the OP has passed by now or found a different career