Introduction to the DfE KS3 Maths Guidance

Mathematics Guidance: Key Stage 3 was published by the DfE in September 2021, but how much have teachers and departments managed to read and familiarise themselves with it? And how can it be used to support teaching in secondary schools? This interview explores the guidance and how it might be used, with Carol Knights who led the writing of it, and Carrie Martin, who is beginning to use it with the schools in her MAT.

Show notes

Taking part in the discussion are:

Carol Knights, NCETM Director for secondary

Carrie Martin, Senior Network Leader of Maths, Cabot Learning Federation, SW England

Steve McCormack, NCETM Communications Director.

Episode Chapters

01:57 The structure of the guidance

02:25 The introductory section

03:42 The sample curriculum framework

05:40 What’s in the main body of the guidance

07:47 Making links to KS2

09:50 Ideas for use in the classroom

10:30 Using the guidance to review your KS3 curriculum

12:48 How the guidance is being used in Carrie’s MAT

14:25 Using the guidance without using the suggested sequencing of topics

22:10 Tips for navigating the guidance

23:04 How the guidance helps busy KS3 teachers know about KS2 maths.

Useful links

Information about the KS3 Guidance on the NCETM website

NCETM KS3 Mastery Professional Development Materials

NCETM exemplified Key Ideas: in PowerPoint files useful for the classroom

NCETM Checkpoints: Year 7 classroom activities to assess prior learning from KS2