Maths at Egerton

A Mastery Curriculum

At Egerton, we follow the principles of a mastery curriculum as set out by the National Centre of Excellence for the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM). This methodology ensures that children at Egerton acquire a deep understanding of maths and can apply this in a range of contexts.

We believe that all children have the ability to master mathematical concepts through the careful planning and delivery of lessons, using a teaching for mastery approach.

NCETM Website – Click Here

‘Mastering maths means acquiring a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject. At any one point in a pupil’s journey through school, achieving mastery is taken to mean acquiring a solid enough understanding of the maths that’s been taught to enable him/her move on to more advanced material.’ NCTEM September 2017

Below is some more information about the five big ideas as set-out by the NCETM (please see our maths policies below for further information on our approach to teaching maths):

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.

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.

We aim to make sure our pupils get off to the best start possible on their maths journeys at Egerton, and one way we do this is by following the NCETM’s Mastering Number programme. Mastering Number aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention is given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future.