Maths Mastery Primary

Whist teaching in an Academy school in Birmingham, I was introduced to the mastery way of teaching Maths. The main principles are

Mathematical ability can be increased through effort

Mathematical ability is not innate

Focus on fewer topics, covered in more depth(depth not breadth)

Mastery for all pupils, with full understanding

Number sense and place value come first

Problem solving is central to all learning

And to me the most important principle

Success in mathematics for every child is possible.

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Coherence

Lessons are broken down into small connected steps that gradually unfold the concept, providing access for all children and leading to a generalisation of the concept and the ability to apply the concept to a range of contexts.

Representation and Structure

Representations used in lessons expose the mathematical structure being taught, the aim being that students can do the maths without recourse to the representation.(CPA)

Mathematical Thinking

If taught ideas are to be understood deeply, they must not merely be passively received but must be worked on by the student: thought about, reasoned with and discussed with others.

Fluency

Quick and efficient recall of facts and procedures and the flexibility to move between different contexts and representations of mathematics.

Variation

Variation is twofold. It is firstly about how the teacher represents the concept being taught, often in more than one way, to draw attention to critical aspects, and to develop deep and holistic understanding. It is also about the sequencing of the episodes, activities and exercises used within a lesson and follow up practice, paying attention to what is kept the same and what changes, to connect the mathematics and draw attention to mathematical relationships and structure.