Years 5-8 Continuity Work Group

This Work Group aims to strengthen the transition from primary to secondary school by focusing on curriculum and pedagogical continuity over Years 5 to 8. Central to the Work Group is the promotion of cross phase communication between teachers to address issues of maths knowledge and learning transition as distinct from pastoral considerations.

What is involved?

Work Groups in this project focus on curriculum and pedagogical continuity over Years 5 to 8. Participants will collaborate with colleagues from across KS2 and KS3, working on mathematical tasks together and reflecting on the resulting activity and learning.

Sessions will take place in KS2 and KS3 settings, offering the chance to see tasks in the context of a classroom. School-based activities between meetings encourage participants to make use of the resources with their own pupils.

What are the benefits?

Participants and their schools will:

• Your pupils in KS2 and KS3 will demonstrate a positive attitude to maths
• You will make common use of approaches, representations and language across phases
• You will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the curriculum across KS2 and KS3 and the expectations of pupils at the end of each Key Stage
• You and your cross-phase colleagues will collaborate on issues of curriculum and pedagogy as a normal part of your schools’ transition practice

The wider context

The Work Groups in this project promote teaching for mastery approaches across the KS2-3 boundary to ensure consistency in the pupil experience. This addresses two aims:

• (primary) all pupils develop deep knowledge, understanding and confidence, and are well prepared for the secondary maths curriculum
• (secondary) working with schools to address specific challenges in secondary maths teaching through the use of teaching for mastery approaches.

This project aims to avoid the dip in attainment which is often reported as pupils move from primary to secondary education.

Who can apply?

The project is for those who teach and/or have responsibility for the curriculum in Years 5-8. Participants may be subject leaders or teachers with responsibility for transition in a school. They need to be supported to try out different tasks with their students and be released to attend three full-day workshops.

Linked ‘families’ of schools are encouraged to take part: ideally teachers from two (or more) secondary schools and some of their associated primary schools will work together.

What is the cost?

The Year 5-8 Continuity project is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

Who will be leading this Work Group?

TBC

Where and When?

TBC

Interested?

Please complete our expression of interest form linked below and we will be in touch once further information is available for 2024/25