Playful Maths (Online Summer Course)

Course Overview
This course supports primary teachers in implementing the Primary Mathematics Curriculum (PMC) through inclusive, and meaningful classroom practice. Across the modules, participants will explore how children develop deep mathematical understanding, beginning with number sense and progressing towards confident problem-solving and real-world application.

Teachers will examine key ideas such as place value, relationships between numbers, estimation, and flexible computation, with a strong focus on moving beyond rote learning. The course emphasises the development of conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency, using concrete materials, visual models, and cognitively challenging tasks to support all learners.

Participants will also explore the importance of mathematical talk, reasoning, and fostering a positive disposition. Strategies to promote growth mindset, encourage pupil voice, and use maths journals as reflective tools will be embedded throughout. Opportunities to engage with problem-solving, coding, and integrated STEM activities will further support pupils in applying their learning creatively and confidently.

The course concludes by supporting teachers in translating these approaches into effective classroom practice through planning, assessment, and reflection aligned with the PMC. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with practical strategies to foster inclusive, engaging, and high-quality mathematics learning experiences for all pupils.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the Primary Mathematics Curriculum (PMC) by applying key principles such as number sense, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving in their classroom practice
• Design and deliver mathematics learning experiences that use concrete materials, visual representations, and appropriate supports to ensure all pupils can access, engage with, and progress in their learning
• Facilitate rich mathematical learning experiences by promoting mathematical talk, reasoning, and positive learner dispositions, including the use of growth mindset strategies and reflective tools such as maths journals
• Plan for, assess, and reflect on pupils' learning effectively by using a range of formative assessment strategies, cognitively challenging tasks, and School Self Evaluation (SSE) processes to improve teaching and learning in mathematics

Facilitator - Orla Keane
Orla Keane is a Primary School Teacher in a DEIS Band 1 school in Clare, with experience as an Assistant Principal leading STEM and Numeracy initiatives. In 2021, she completed a Master of Arts in STEM Education and has since been facilitating CPD in STEM and the Primary Mathematics Curriculum (PMC) for schools and education centres nationwide, including running a STEM summer course for teachers. Orla has a strong social media presence, where she shares practical strategies and resources to make STEM accessible, engaging, and impactful in developing children's 21st century skills.

This course runs from Wednesday 1st July - Friday 17th July.

Access to the course closes at 5pm on 17th July for all participants.

Please Note:
Registration is subject to availability. Access to courses closes at 5pm on the final date for each iteration as stated above.
There is NO FACILITY to change between iterations or to extend the time available for course completion. If you intend completing more than one EPV approved course this summer, you must fully complete one course before commencing another. This course is approved for E.P.V. certification by the Department of Education. Further information can be found in these FAQs.