Maths Mastery

At The Hall, we pursue a mastery approach.

What is ‘Maths Mastery’?

Maths Mastery is a teaching and learning approach that aims for pupils to develop a deep understanding of mathematics rather than merely memorising methods.  It is predicated on the idea that everyone can succeed at mathematics.

The expectation is for most pupils to have acquired the fundamental facts and concepts of mathematics for their year or key stage. To master them if you will. At this point, they are ready to move confidently on to their next stage of mathematics.

Mastery of a mathematical concept means a child can use their knowledge of the concept to solve unfamiliar word problems, and undertake complex reasoning, using the appropriate mathematical vocabulary.

Maths Mastery is a cumulative journey that the teachers and pupils make together. Regular assessment is used to check the pupils understanding and direct intervention targets any gaps and misconceptions.

Parents often say that schools don’t teach mathematics like they used to. However, mastery teaching is not a new idea. Greek philosopher Aristotle (who lived approximately 2300 years ago) pioneered the mastery model. 

The Five Big Ideas

The five big ideas of Maths Mastery, as championed by NCETM (the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) are as follows:

• Coherence
• Representation and Structure
• Mathematical Thinking
• Fluency
• Variation

Aspects of each of these ideas are built into every mathematics lesson. Understanding of place value, learning efficient methods of calculation, sound knowledge of multiplication tables and a developing ability to reason with numbers and make connections between mathematical concepts underpin mastery mathematics teaching at The Hall.