Years 5-8 Continuity Work Group

Strengthen the transition from primary to secondary school

What is involved?

This Work Group focuses on curriculum and pedagogical knowledge across the KS2-3 transition from Years 5 to 8. Through genuine cross phase collaboration, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how maths in the primary curriculum develops in KS3, and how key concepts are developed and represented at KS2.

A range of materials has been developed which focus on key elements common to KS2 and KS3 maths teaching and learning. Some of these may be explored in Work Group sessions and teachers will then try them out on pupils, observing the impact of different pedagogical approaches in their own class, reflecting on these activities and preparing brief notes to support discussions in the following workshop.

Participants are expected to attend the equivalent of three full days of workshops, and to complete school-based tasks between sessions. It is expected that activity associated with this project is sustained over at least one school year.

Who can take part?

This project is for both primary and secondary schools.  It may be particularly suitable for linked ‘families’ of schools: primary, secondary, etc.  A ‘family’ could be a secondary school and their associated (feeder) primary schools or groups of schools from a geographical location or within a MAT.  Lead participants should be teachers of Years 5-8, ideally with some responsibility for curriculum development.

Benefits

• Your pupils in KS2 and KS3 will demonstrate a positive attitude to maths.
• You will make common use of coherent approaches, representations and language across phases.
• You will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the curriculum across KS2 and KS3, including the expectations of pupils at the end of each Key Stage, in relation to specific areas of the curriculum.
• You and your cross-phase colleagues will collaborate on issues of curriculum and pedagogy as a normal part of your schools’ transition practice and policy.

What is the cost?

The Work Groups are fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme, so are free to participating schools.

To express an interest in taking part in 2026-27, please complete the form below: