Welcome, parents, to our guide on mastery teaching in primary school mathematics! This approach focuses on helping children deeply understand maths concepts and retain their learning over time. In this guide, we’ll explain what mastery teaching is, how it benefits your child, and how you can support their learning at home.

What is Mastery Teaching?

Mastery teaching shifts away from the traditional method of quickly covering many topics at a surface level. Instead, it emphasises making sure children fully understand one concept before moving on to the next.

Key Features of Mastery Teaching

1. Depth Over Breadth: Fewer topics are covered, but students explore each one in depth to build a strong understanding.
2. Sequential Learning: New topics build on previously learned concepts, ensuring a logical progression in learning.
3. Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) Approach: Children start with hands-on activities (concrete), then move to visual representations (pictorial), and finally use symbols and numbers (abstract).
4. High Expectations: Every child is encouraged to achieve mastery, with appropriate support and challenges provided.
5. Formative Assessment: Teachers regularly check progress, address misconceptions, and adapt their teaching to meet each child’s needs.

Benefits of Mastery Teaching for Your Child

1. Deep Understanding: Your child will truly understand maths concepts, not just memorize steps or formulas.
2. Confidence: Success in mastering each step helps build self-confidence and a positive attitude toward maths.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: Mastery teaching nurtures creativity and persistence when tackling challenges.
4. Long-Term Retention: By understanding concepts deeply, your child will retain skills and knowledge for longer

How You Can Support Your Child at Home

1. Encourage a Growth Mindset: Celebrate their effort and let them know it’s okay to make mistakes—they’re part of learning.
2. Practice Together: Use games, puzzles, and real-world activities like cooking or shopping to practice maths at home.
3. Be Involved in Homework: Show interest in their work and ask them to explain their thinking. This reinforces their understanding.
4. Stay Connected with Teachers: Regular communication with teachers can help you stay informed about your child’s progress and get tips for supporting their learning.

By working together to support mastery teaching, we can help your child build a solid foundation in mathematics and set them up for long-term success. Thank you for being an active partner in their learning journey!