Securing Foundations at Year 7 Work Groups

Project Code: NCP24-18

This project aims to support the teachers of those students in Year 7 who require additional support to secure the foundations of understanding in maths necessary to make good progress in KS3 and beyond. National data indicates that, since Covid, there has been an increase in the number of students not meeting Age Related Expectations (ARE) by the end of KS2, and that the gaps in knowledge for some in Year 7 are wider and deeper than in previous years; this is supported by evidence from a recent NCETM teacher survey. Year 7 teachers are also reporting that they feel insufficiently equipped to teach these students mathematical content from much earlier in the curriculum.

This project aims to provide professional development and resources for secondary school maths teachers, so they are better equipped with KS1 and KS2 maths curriculum domain-specific knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, so they have the necessary expertise to support students with gaps in understanding content from previous Key Stages.

Who can take part?

The intended participants for this project are teachers working with those Year 7 students who have not met age related expectations in maths, particularly students whose attainment is in the bottom 20-30% of the national cohort at the end of KS2. 

The project is suitable for experienced or novice teachers who are interested in developing their teaching practice to support students in securing the foundations of mathematical understanding.

What is involved?

Participants should engage with the supporting video material, attend six central online events, and attend regional (face-to-face or online) cohort events, equivalent to three days. They will also engage with the online community. 

What will you learn?

Practice development

Participants will: 

  • develop their pedagogic and content knowledge of KS1 and KS2 maths, with a particular emphasis on key concepts

  • practise strategies and refine their practice to best support students who did not meet age-related expectations (ARE) at the end of KS2

  • consider approaches which support all students to reason mathematically and develop a deep and connected understanding of the maths they are learning.

Professional learning

Participants will: 

  • work as part of a professional learning community to reflect on their approaches, deepen their understanding about effective approaches, and refine their practice

  • develop an understanding of pedagogic approaches consistent with teaching for mastery

  • develop an understanding of the KS1 and KS2 curriculum content

  • share their knowledge and understanding with appropriate members of their department.

What is the cost?

This  project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

The button below is to register your expression of interest, you will then receive an email from us requesting confirmation of your participation in this programme. Please note, your place will not be secured until you have provided confirmation of attendance.