What’s involved?

Knowledge of multiplication and division and its applications forms the single most important aspect of the KS2 curriculum, and is the gateway to success at secondary school. This project enables pupils in Years 4 and 5 to develop fluency in multiplication and division facts, and a confidence and flexibility with number that exemplifies good number sense.

Lead teachers in both Year 4 and Year 5 will be provided with teaching materials to be used in Year 4 and Year 5, and are expected to use these resources for five short sessions each week, aimed at developing children’s fluency and flexibility with number. They will also be expected to support colleagues in their own year group to use the resources with their classes.

• Lead Teachers will engage in online workshops, once a term, as well as a local session once a term with their Work Group Lead. They will use prepared materials in the form of teacher guidance and daily class resources, which will be provided. They will also support all other teachers in their school in Years 4 and 5 to use the materials effectively, and work collaboratively to develop their understanding of children’s progression in developing automaticity in multiplication and division facts and the ability to apply these facts to a range of contexts.

• Lead Teachers will also be expected to engage with teachers from other schools through a local online community to reflect on their practice and the progress of their pupils.

Who can take part?

Schools that are currently participating in Mastering Number at Reception and KS1, and are also actively engaged in a Sustaining Teaching for Mastery Work Group, have the opportunity for teachers to develop the knowledge and skills to secure good multiplicative number sense and automaticity in times tables. The programme will focus on Years 4 and 5. 

If your schools is actively engaged in a Teaching for Mastery Work Group and has completed at least one year of the Mastering Number at Reception and and KS1 Programme then you will be able to register for this Work Group.

If you are junior school in a Teaching for Mastery Work Group and your teachers in Year 4 and 5 are able to commit fully to this project, you can also apply. 

What will you learn?

• You will develop an understanding of how pupils progress in their knowledge and understanding of multiplicative concepts
• You will work as part of a professional learning community to refine your practice
• Your pupils in KS2 will develop automaticity in multiplication and division facts through regular practice

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR 2026/2027