Primary Mastering Number

September 2022

We believe that the Mastering Number materials serve as a great exemplification of a teaching for mastery approach, so not only do they address the challenge of ensuring that all children leave KS1 with a deep conceptual understanding of number relationships (‘Number Sense’) and automaticity of number facts, but they also support schools to gain a better idea of what the key principles and big ideas behind Teaching for Mastery look like in the classroom.

To express an interest, please complete the form below:

This Work Group aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future.

Who can take part?

Lead participants from Work Group schools will be three teachers, one each from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, with some support given to subject leaders and headteachers.

This Work Group is open to all state-funded primary schools in England.

What is involved?

Work Group lead participants will be supported by central training and resources. There is an expectation that they will provide a daily teaching session for all children of 10 to 15 minutes, in addition to their normal maths lesson. There is also the expectation that they will contribute to an online community to share practice and engage in critical reflection.

Go to the NCETM website to hear Debbie Morgan, the NCETM’s Director for Primary, explain the rationale for the programme and how the abacus-like rekenrek can be used to help children develop confidence and fluency with number. Use of a rekenrek is one element of the Mastering Number Programme.

What will you learn?

Participants will:

• develop skills in working in a professional learning community, reflecting with other colleagues on their own practice, and refining skills through support and challenge within a community
• develop a secure understanding of how to build firm mathematical foundations with a stronger subject and pedagogical understanding for EYFS and KS1
• work to develop intentional teaching strategies focused on developing fluency in calculation and number sense for ALL children
• develop understanding and their use of appropriate manipulatives to support their teaching of mathematical structures.

What is the cost?

The Mastering Number project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

How can you find out more?

Please see the NCETM flyer for more details and to download to share with colleagues in your own and other schools.