What’s involved?
Knowledge of multiplication and division and its applications forms the single most important aspect of the KS2 curriculum, and is the gateway to success at secondary school. This project enables pupils in Years 4 and 5 to develop fluency in multiplication and division facts, and a confidence and flexibility with number that exemplifies good number sense.
Lead teachers in both Year 4 and Year 5 will be provided with teaching materials to be used in Year 4 and Year 5, and are expected to use these resources for five short sessions each week, aimed at developing children’s fluency and flexibility with number. They will also be expected to support colleagues in their own year group to use the resources with their classes.
• Lead Teachers will engage in online workshops, once a term, as well as a local session once a term with their Work Group Lead. They will use prepared materials in the form of teacher guidance and daily class resources, which will be provided. They will also support all other teachers in their school in Years 4 and 5 to use the materials effectively, and work collaboratively to develop their understanding of children’s progression in developing automaticity in multiplication and division facts and the ability to apply these facts to a range of contexts.
• Lead Teachers will also be expected to engage with teachers from other schools through a local online community to reflect on their practice and the progress of their pupils.
Who can take part?
Lead participants from each school will be two teachers – one from Year 4 and one from Year 5 – known as Lead Teachers.
Some support will also be provided to subject leaders and headteachers.
Applications are open to all state-funded schools in England.
Schools are very welcome to apply, even if they have not previously participated in Mastering Number at R/KS1
However, please note:
- Schools must already be actively engaged and participating in the “Established” Teaching for Mastery Programme.
- Schools are not eligible if they are currently participating in the Introductory Teaching for Mastery (2 year) Programme.
- Schools are not eligible if they have previously participated in Mastering Number at KS2.
Due to the high level of interest in this programme, places are limited and an oversubscription selection policy will be applied. See Application Process for full details.
What will you learn?
- Your pupils will develop secure recall of multiplication and division facts
- Your pupils will gain confidence and flexibility when working with number
- You will develop a deeper understanding of how fluency supports wider mathematical thinking
- You will embed consistent approaches to developing number sense across Year 4 and Year 5
- You will have opportunities to collaborate with other schools and reflect on practice and impact
What is the cost?
The Mastering Number at KS2 Work Group is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is provided completely free to participating state-funded schools.