Mastery Readiness

The Mastery Readiness Programme exists for schools that would benefit from a staged approach to adopting teaching for mastery in mathematics.

The programme was born from local observations that schools are most successful in implementing sustained and meaningful change through teaching for mastery when certain foundations are already in place. These are areas in which the Mastery Readiness Programme offers support and development.

They might include:

• shared vision and culture around the importance of mathematics
• a positive mindset towards maths amongst all staff, and a belief that every child can achieve highly in the subject
• good mathematics subject knowledge amongst teachers and TAs
• systems that maximise learning, e.g. timetabling, intervention, curriculum and pedagogical approaches
• arithmetical proficiency teaching for all children, to support mathematical fluency by reducing cognitive load
• ongoing staff development, which is valued by all staff and senior leaders.

Local Mastery Readiness Leads, working as part of Maths Hubs leadership teams, are experienced in school improvement work, as well as teaching for mastery. They work with the headteacher and maths lead to construct a bespoke programme for each school’s needs. This will usually include:

• around six support visits to the school from the Mastery Readiness Lead
• regular development workshops (for the maths lead, one other teacher and sometimes also the head) with other local schools on the programme.

After completing the Mastery Readiness Programme (usually a year), schools are prioritised for a place on the high-profile Teaching for Mastery Programme with their Maths Hub, where they benefit from two further years of support.

Funding: there is no charge for participation in this programme. However, schools must ensure that staff are released to engage in the workshops and school visits, and that the headteacher attends events where appropriate.

Find out more:

• Read a case study of a school on the pilot Mastery Readiness Programme in Northumberland
• Download or print a flyer (PDF) for the Programme.
• If your school might benefit from participation in the expanding Mastery Readiness Programme, or you’d like to know more, please email Emma Patman or Elizabeth Lambert.

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