Mastering Number
In September 2023, we were delighted to have been accepted onto the Mastering Number programme with the Maths Hub. Following the success of last year implementing the mastering number programme, we will be building upon this throughout 2023-2024.
What is Mastering Number?
Mastering Number is a large-scale nationwide programme for teachers of pupils in FS2, Year 1 and Year 2, which is designed to help children embed good number sense. Mastering Number was a new programme offered in 2021 2022 by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and the Maths Hubs Network. It aims to develop solid number sense, including fluency and flexibility with number facts, which will have a lasting impact on future learning for all children. It also involves high quality professional development for teachers.
What is involved?
Lead teacher participants (teachers of FS2, Year 1 and Year 2) form local Work Groups of up to 40 schools, with each Work Group led by a teacher experienced in early maths, and in leading professional development in their Maths Hub area. The core professional development programme is delivered by an experienced team from the NCETM, led by the NCETM’s Director of Primary Mathematics, Debbie Morgan.
Lead teachers, the maths subject lead and the headteacher from each participant school engage in a range of online professional development, including three live sessions, across the academic year. Teachers in Reception, Year 1 and 2 deliver a daily session of 15/20 minutes in addition to their daily maths lesson..
Resources, including lesson plans, visual resources and practical equipment, are provided. Central to the programme is a small, abacus-like piece of equipment called a rekenrek, which is provided for use by children in participating classes.