• NATIONAL STEM LEARNING CENTRE

Maths Subject Knowledge: Understanding Numbers

Learn how numbers really work by understanding the underlying structures of everyday maths with this course for teachers.

15,455 enrolled on this course

The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Improve your subject knowledge of numbers as part of the maths curriculum

We use numbers every day, but do we really appreciate how they work?

There are lots of fascinating connections and patterns to explore once you delve into the mathematical structure of how simple numbers work.

On this course, you will develop an understanding of the underlying mathematical structure of everyday mathematics.

You will learn why mathematical methods work and find the connections between different areas of maths so that you can appreciate the interconnected nature of different maths topics.

What topics will you cover?

  • The history of numbers and different types of numbers
  • Working in different number bases
  • Factors, multiples and prime numbers
  • The order in which we perform calculations
  • Exact answers
  • Number sequences

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore how the number system we use every day actually works
  • Investigate patterns created when exploring factors of numbers, multiples of numbers and prime factorisation of numbers
  • Explain when and why two negatives make a positive
  • Describe the order in which operations are performed
  • Explore a variety of different number sequences

Who is the course for?

This course is specifically designed for secondary school teachers and educators who are not specialised in maths, but who are wanting to learn mathematical methods and improve their understanding of the subject.

It’s particularly suitable for new teachers and those studying teaching as a profession. Primary school teachers may find this course useful to understand how the mathematics curriculum progresses further in secondary school.

Who will you learn with?

Mathematics Subject Specialist at the National STEM Learning Centre, York.

I have taught mathematics for over 30 years, as a head of department, an advanced skills teacher and as maths lead at STEM Learning. I am the level 3 lead for the Yorkshire Ridings maths hub.

Secondary maths teacher.

Who developed the course?

National STEM Learning Centre

The National STEM Learning Centre provides world-class professional development activities and resources to support the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

Still want to know more? Check out our FAQs

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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