Primary Teaching for Mastery (Introductory)

The Teaching for Mastery Programme is a professional development opportunity designed to support teachers like you to develop best practice in maths in your school. It is suitable for schools interested in implementing a teaching for mastery approach to maths.

The video below was made for a previous recruitment campaign. The details still apply, with the exception of the information about matched textbook funding, as this is no longer available.

What is involved?

This two-year programme is designed for primary schools that are new to teaching for mastery and want to build a strong foundation for long-term change.

Each school will nominate two participants to attend six Work Group sessions, led by an experienced Mastery Specialist. Participants will work with their school leaders to begin developing and implementing a shared vision for maths, with a focus on improving pupil understanding, promoting positive attitudes to maths, and developing consistent, high-quality teaching practices across the school.

Who can take part?

Primary schools in England that have not previously engaged in teaching for mastery. Schools must commit to the two-year programme, nominate two participants - typically the maths lead and one other - and ensure active headteacher involvement.

There are limited places so each Maths Hub will use set criteria to allocate spaces to this Work Group.

What is the cost?

The Primary Teaching for Mastery Development Work Groups project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

What will you learn?

• You will begin to develop a shared, whole-school vision for maths teaching
• You and your school will take practical steps towards implementing teaching for mastery approaches
• You will support staff to promote positive mathematical mindsets and pupil outcomes
• You and your school will work closely with a Mastery Specialist and other local schools to drive improvement
• You and your school will develop confidence in using high-quality resources and planning tools

Teachers tell us about what involvement has meant for them and their pupils:

Alana Mead, Year 6 teacher at St Francis C of E Primary School in Swindon Being involved in a Work Group, you feel much more involved in your own CPD. You are actually doing something, rather than being talked at. Going away, implementing something and then coming back and discussing how it worked is great. Schools working together is so powerful. We hear what another school has done successfully and think ‘Right, we will give that a try.’ Teachers involved really benefit from the time and freedom to spread the ideas of mastery throughout their school. Taking part is a commitment but it benefits the individual and the school, so I would definitely advise anyone to do it.

Calum Boothroyd, Year 5 teacher, Swindon Academy’s Primary Phase As an NQT, it has been so useful for me to speak to other teachers at the TRG about how they teach maths. In an hour and a half this morning, I’ve already got so many ideas to take back. I feel like it has been a springboard for me. It gives me further insight and a variety of different ideas which I can take away. It has helped me develop my own subject knowledge too. I’ve now got more confidence and belief that I can lead on things.