Primary Teaching for Mastery – Introductory Work Groups

Join our Teaching for Mastery programme and become part of a professional community dedicated to developing mathematics teaching through collaboration, reflection and engagement with evidence-informed practice. This programme supports schools wishing to develop Teaching for Mastery, providing opportunities to work alongside colleagues from across the region, explore key research and guidance materials, and develop a shared understanding of the principles that underpin effective mathematics teaching. 

Developing Teaching for Mastery Through Professional Learning

Teaching for Mastery is developed through sustained professional learning and collaboration. Through participation in the programme, schools will:

• Join a network of schools committed to improving mathematics education.
• Engage with current research, national guidance and evidence-informed approaches.
• Share practice and learn from the experiences of colleagues in other settings.
• Reflect on existing approaches to mathematics teaching and curriculum design.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the principles and practices that underpin Teaching for Mastery.
• Build capacity for ongoing professional learning across the school.

Building a Collaborative Mathematics Culture

School leaders and participants will have opportunities to:

• Develop a shared understanding of high-quality mathematics education.
• Engage in professional dialogue about mathematics teaching and learning.
• Explore how school culture, systems and structures can support Teaching for Mastery.
• Reflect on current provision and identify priorities for development.
• Foster a culture where collaboration, professional curiosity and continual improvement are valued.

Supporting Professional Growth

Participants will engage with a range of professional learning opportunities that enable them to:

• Deepen their understanding of mathematics pedagogy and curriculum progression.
• Explore the key principles of Teaching for Mastery and their application in practice.
• Consider how research and guidance materials can inform classroom decision-making.
• Reflect on classroom experiences and evaluate the impact of developments over time.
• Contribute to professional learning conversations within their own schools and across the wider Maths Hub community.

Who Should Get Involved?

This programme is designed for schools ready to develop Teaching for Mastery and who are committed to engaging in sustained professional learning.

Headteacher engagement is an important aspect of the programme, particularly during school visits and Work Group sessions, helping to support participation and the development of a whole-school approach.

Each school will nominate:

• A Maths Lead
• An additional participant who can contribute to and support the school’s professional learning journey

Programme Structure

Lead participants will:

• Attend six half-termly Work Group sessions each year for two years, facilitated by a Mastery Specialist.
• Participate in collaborative professional learning with colleagues from across the Maths Hub community.
• Receive support through three half-day school visits each year for two years.
• Engage with research, guidance materials and reflective professional discussions that support the development of Teaching for Mastery.

Key Areas of Focus

Work Groups will explore and engage with:

• The Five Catalysts for Change.
• The Five Big Ideas in Teaching for Mastery.
• The Essence of Mathematics Teaching for Mastery.
• Evidence-informed guidance, including the EEF Implementation Guidance and current mathematics subject guidance.
• Professional learning materials and resources that support the development of Teaching for Mastery.