Primary Teaching for Mastery – Introductory Work Groups

Are you ready to transform maths education in your school? Join our Teaching for Mastery programme and empower your teachers and pupils to achieve greater success in mathematics. By participating, your school will develop a collaborative learning culture, enhance professional development, and improve pupil outcomes in maths.

The Impact on Pupils

Through this programme, your pupils will:

• Demonstrate improved learning, as evidenced by internal school data and teacher reflections.

• Develop a positive mathematical mindset and gain confidence in their abilities.

• Enjoy learning maths, fostering long-term engagement and success in the subject.

School-Wide Transformation

School leaders will:

• Establish a clear, shared vision for maths that involves the whole school community.

• Foster a culture of positivity and confidence in mathematics for both pupils and staff.

• Review and refine policies, systems, and classroom practices to align with the ‘Catalysts for Change’—Vision and Culture, Subject Expertise, Mathematical Mindsets, Arithmetical Proficiency, and Systems.

• Begin embedding a mastery approach by implementing clear principles, policies, and systems that ensure long-term success.

• Create a professional learning culture that promotes deep, sustained teacher development.

Developing Effective Teaching Practices

Participants, alongside school leaders, will support all teachers to:

• Implement the ‘Catalysts for Change’ according to identified priorities.

• Bring the school’s shared maths vision to life, promoting mathematical mindsets across staff and pupils.

• Design, deliver, and reflect on effective lessons that align with the teaching for mastery approach, ensuring improved pupil outcomes.

Professional Growth for Teachers and Leaders

Through structured professional development, participants and school leaders will:

• Evaluate and enhance current systems, school culture, and CPD structures.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the ‘Catalysts for Change’ and their role in implementing teaching for mastery.

• Strengthen subject knowledge, focusing on progression in key mathematical areas.

Who Should Get Involved?

This programme is designed for schools committed to embedding a teaching for mastery approach. Headteacher involvement is crucial—particularly during school visits and Work Group sessions—to ensure effective implementation. Each school will nominate a maths lead and an additional participant to take part in Work Groups and lead school-wide improvements. These participants must be empowered by their headteachers to implement and evaluate changes in policies and practice.

Programme Structure

Lead participants will:

• Attend six half-termly, school-based Work Group sessions each year, facilitated by a Mastery Specialist.

• Be released from usual duties to participate in regular school visits across 2025/26 and 2026/27.

• Receive support from a Mastery Specialist each term, focusing on developing school systems that embed teaching for mastery.

Key Areas of Focus

Work Groups will explore:

• The ‘Five Catalysts for Change’.

• The ‘Five Big Ideas’ in Teaching for Mastery.

• The Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery.

• The EEF Implementation Guide and the latest Ofsted maths subject report.

• Key resources, including NCETM’s Primary Mastery PD Materials, Curriculum Prioritisation Materials, and the 2020 DfE Maths Guidance.

For mixed-age schools, the programme includes trialling planning materials for Years 3/4 and 5/6, selecting a module in spring or summer to prepare for full implementation the following September.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative journey that will empower your teachers and improve pupil outcomes. Register now and start embedding a lasting culture of success in maths across your school.