Case studies supporting teaching for mastery

Mastery case studies: aspects of teaching for mastery under the spotlight

Each of these case studies highlights the practice of one teacher or one school in England, or focuses on one aspect of teaching for mastery, with associated examples from several teachers or schools. In most cases, the case study reflects a time in the school’s or teacher’s life where teaching for mastery is still in a developmental phase. We are indebted to the teachers and schools for allowing their work to be put under the spotlight for the benefit of colleagues all over the country.

Primary Case Studies

School sees better results through teaching for mastery

Embracing teaching for mastery in maths has seen pupils’ love for the subject contribute to some exceptional end of year outcomes for all year groups
Why Mastery Readiness isn't just 'mastery-lite'!

The Mastery Readiness Programme enables schools to put in place structures, systems and positive mathematical culture so they can successfully engage in teaching for mastery
Gap tasks: maximising the impact of Work Groups

We visit Gorse Hill Primary School Work Group in Swindon, and find out how gap tasks are driving powerful changes in pedagogy
Mindset: why is it so important in teaching for mastery?

Liam Colclough, a headteacher in Sheffield, is convinced that to introduce teaching for mastery effectively, a shift in mindset is required
Teaching for mastery: isn’t it just 'good teaching'?

Emma Patman, a Year 4 teacher, explains how her teaching has been transformed by her exposure to teaching for mastery pedagogy
Using a high quality textbook to support teaching for mastery

We visit the classroom of Hannah Gray, a primary teacher involved in trialling new Singapore-style textbooks, designed to support a mastery approach
Meeting the needs of all without ability setting

Removing setting from maths teaching in a three-form entry primary school
TRGs: Collaborative professional development in action

Green shoots of Teacher Research Groups (TRGs) are slowly spreading their fronds of mastery exploration across the country
How can teaching for mastery work in a mixed age class?

A group of schools in Northamptonshire have been addressing this issue, with encouraging results