Providing high-quality, evidence-based, sequenced learning resources is something we here at Maths — No Problem! take seriously. We believe a mastery approach, with its focus on whole-class learning, proven pedagogical theories and intensive professional development, is one of the most cost-effective solutions that could possibly be implemented to improve educational outcomes across society.
The maths mastery approach to teaching has been shown time and again to help pupils build confidence and to develop a secure and long-lasting understanding of core concepts.
Not only that, what we’ve found is that schools following the mastery approach and using our high-quality products haven’t suffered the same learning losses as other UK schools.
“While the national picture suggests children from UK schools showed a decline in maths learning, this hasn’t been the case with Sandringham,” said Robert Cleary, Head Teacher at Sandringham Primary School in London. “In fact, Sandringham has fared better than other schools because of the mastery approach — children were used to the practice and routine.”
Early in the pandemic, Charlie Stripp, director of the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, advised against putting pressure on students to catch up. He said “calm, consolidation of maths knowledge is what’s needed” to increase students’ confidence.
We urge school leaders to consider giving the Maths — No Problem! Programme a try. We believe it’s the surest way to reduce much of the anxiety surrounding maths, particularly now in the wake of pandemic disruptions, when pressure will be on teachers and pupils alike to make up for lost learning and to be among the 90% that achieves the expected standard.