Thematic report |
Good practice in mathematics at key stage 4 - October 2013
This report is published in response to a request for advice from the Welsh Government in the Minister’s annual remit to Estyn for 2012-2013. The report examines standards in mathematics at key stage 4. Transition from key stage 4 to post-16 is outside the scope of the report. The report includes case studies of best practice.
Recommendations
Mathematics departments should:
- make sure that pupils develop secure number, algebraic and problem-solving skills at key stage 3;
- improve the quality of teaching and learning in mathematics lessons by making sure that:
- lessons are well structured, engaging and challenging, and link to other
topics and subjects; and - number and algebraic skills are developed and applied in new contexts;
- lessons are well structured, engaging and challenging, and link to other
- use assessment to inform pupils about how they are doing and what they need to do to improve;
- minimise early entry for GCSE in mathematics and ensure that pupils follow courses of study that allow them to achieve the highest grades;
- base self-evaluation and improvement planning on evidence from observing pupils’ standards in mathematics lessons and scrutiny of their work; and
- share best practice within and between schools and use it to support teachers' professional development.
Local authorities and regional consortia should:
- provide support, advice and professional development opportunities for mathematics teachers, including facilitating professional networks to share best practice.
The Welsh Government should:
- support schools and regional consortia in raising standards in mathematics for all pupils; and
- review National Curriculum level descriptors at key stage 3 with the view to raising levels of expectation at level 5 in number and algebraic skills.