A major piece of qualitative research commissioned by the DCSF in 2006 asked KS2 and KS3 pupils who were not achieving their potential, what they thought was holding them back. In this programme we look at what the research revealed about those pupils who are at risk on not converting a Level 4 in Mathematics at KS2 into a Level 5 at the end of KS3. To explore some of the solutions to this issue, we came to Staunton Community Sport College who identify and prioritise their slower moving pupils and have put in place approaches designed to improve the engagement of these pupils with Maths. Head of Mathematics, Neil Marshall uses a mystery story to make problem solving fun and accessible in Yr7. Maths teacher Nigel Martin works to keep his Yr9 pupils on track with a mental maths starter encouraging pupils to explain their working methods. Staunton’s Maths department recognizes the importance of self-help strategies and mathematical vocabulary in their teaching.

Video Series: Portraits Of Progress
Release Date 2007