Mathematics Mastery Primary from Ark Curriculum Plus

Mastery programme featuring a full curriculum, CPD and resources for planning, classroom delivery and assessment...

At a glance

• Complete maths package for teaching key concepts at primary level
• Well-sequenced, interlinked Reception, KS1 and KS2 curriculum
• Focused on ensuring pupils develop fluency and a deep understanding
• Integrated training and CPD materials
• Full suite of planning, delivery, assessment and intervention resources

The Mathematics Mastery Primary programme is the whole package when it comes to planning, teaching and assessing maths.

Not only is it comprehensive in terms of teaching and training resources, but it’s also proven to positively impact progress and attainment, giving pupils on average one month’s additional progress after one year.

The programme was created by Dr Helen Drury, a pioneer of teaching and learning for mastery in UK schools, and has grown out of Ark, one of the highest performing MATs in the UK. This pedigree is certainly reflected in the programme and resources.

What’s instantly apparent is that the content of the programme is based on the latest cognitive and educational research. Lessons are chunked and scaffolded brilliantly to promote learner confidence, with ample opportunity for independent practice.

Coupled with the training resources, the pre-planned but flexible lessons are an exceptional resource for less confident mathematicians, meaning that teachers are significantly empowered by having access to the plans and resources that can be customised to the particular needs of their class.

It’s the attention to detail in the planning resources that impressed me most.

Features such as references to possible misconceptions in the weekly overview documents give teachers an awareness of what to look for when teaching, a tool that is useful for experienced and inexperienced maths educators alike.

The key to success in the use of a mastery programme is the engagement with the training materials provided. Here, the content systematically builds teachers’ subject knowledge and mastery teaching skills through high-quality CPD.

The sessions are in the form of pre-recorded videos, plans, overviews and commentaries, meaning you can train at your leisure, picking and choosing the areas which you need to develop in your own practice.

The training materials dovetail with the comprehensive suite of lesson materials, integrated assessment tools and intervention resources, meaning that the training can directly impact classroom teaching.

MyMastery, the online platform on which the resources and training materials are hosted, is easy to navigate. Download units of work and lesson plans in seconds. The resources are well grouped and sequentially ordered, so it’s very user-friendly.

The Mathematics Mastery Primary programme is available in three flexible tiers, meaning you can select the most appropriate package for your school. The entry-level tier includes access to the curriculum, resources and CPD content on the MyMastery platform.

If you’re looking for a more bespoke package, consider the subject leadership or tailored tiers which offer more personalised support, including live induction training and a school development lead who will assist with implementation of the programme.

Verdict

• Exceptional content in terms of resources and training
• Simple, streamlined and intuitive interface for access of MyMastery
• Designed with teachers in mind
• A great way to overhaul your maths offer and provide support to your staff in the process

Upgrade if…

You’re looking to support staff with planning and assessing or want a full curriculum rewrite. Also consider if you’re looking to build collective efficacy and consistency around maths in your school.

Priced from £1,350 per Key Stage, call 020 3116 6363 or visit arkcurriculumplus.org.uk.

Reviewed by Adam Riches