Focused Themes are optional professional development pathways designed to deepen and strengthen your school’s Teaching for Mastery (TfM) practice.
They run alongside your Teaching for Mastery Work Group and build on prior learning.
Who can take part?
To book a Focused Theme, schools must:
- Be signed up to a 2026–27 Primary Teaching for Mastery Work Group (click here to book)
- Be actively engaging in the main TfM programme
- For Mastering Number themes:
- Schools must have previously taken part in the relevant Mastering Number programme
Important information before booking
- Focused Themes will only run if there is sufficient demand
- Delivery format (face-to-face/online) and location will be confirmed after bookings are reviewed
- You will receive confirmation once all bookings have been processed (this is likely to be in the Autumn term)
List of 2026–27 Focused Themes
Each theme explores a key question to strengthen fidelity to Teaching for Mastery.
Strengthening Teaching for Mastery Practice
How does consolidating Teaching for Mastery contribute to effectiveness of TfM in our school?
Support for teachers who are new to or less confident with TfM.
How does adaptive teaching contribute to effectiveness of TfM in our school?
Developing responsive teaching within a mastery approach.
How does oracy contribute to effectiveness of TfM in our school?
Embedding high-quality mathematical talk in TfM lessons.
Curriculum & Implementation
How does implementing a new curriculum contribute to effectiveness of TfM in our school?
Support in response to the anticipated revised National Curriculum; helping schools review current provision and prepare for potential change.
Leadership
How does leadership contribute to effectiveness of TfM in our school?
For maths leaders (new or experienced) who are developing confidence with TfM.
Mastering Number Pathways
(Schools must have previously engaged in the relevant Mastering Number programme)
How does revisiting and strengthening Mastering Number contribute to effectiveness of TfM in our school?
- Mastering Number in Reception & KS1
For teachers/leaders new to the programme – does not include spatial reasoning or updated assessment materials. - Mastering Number in Year 3
Includes materials and PD support. - Mastering Number in Key Stage 2
For teachers/leaders new to the programme. - Mastering Number Parent Project for Reception, Year 1 & Year 2
A structured set of materials to support schools in working with parents, helping them develop confidence in supporting their child’s early number learning at home.
Mixed-Age in KS2
How does mixed-age teaching contribute to effectiveness of TfM in our school?
Mixed-age teaching within a Teaching for Mastery approach, including access to a rolling KS2 programme.
Before selecting a theme
Please ensure your school:
- Has the capacity to engage fully with both the main Teaching for Mastery Work Group programme and the Focused Theme
- Can align the theme with school priorities and commit to full participation