Case Study
Acton CE Primary Academy, Nantwich, Cheshire
School’s position prior to working with First4Maths Academy
The school found that their mathematics curriculum was not catering for all of the needs their learners and there was insufficient challenge and progression, particularly within reasoning and problem solving. Staff were not always confident in their delivery and there were inconsistencies with key concepts being taught across year groups. Observations also showed them that some of the children’s love of maths had disappeared from the classroom.
School’s position now
Ruth Stevinson, Mathematics Subject Leader says,
“Since working with First4Maths Academy, we have noticed children thriving within each and every maths lesson – a buzz of excitement filling our classrooms once again, as they see the importance and purpose of what they are learning.
Each lesson, planned carefully and progressively, using the First4Maths Academy resources, enables staff to tailor their teaching to the needs of their pupils and access materials to challenge further as well. Children who have previously found maths difficult, now have a firm, fluent grasp of the key operations, with the aid of concrete materials and pictorial methods modelled through the First4Maths Academy videos. Lessons are carefully scaffolded to support all learners and rich, sophisticated problems are set to challenge advanced learners – the support from First4Maths Academy is having a huge, positive impact on the outcomes of our pupils.
During our recent Ofsted inspection, the impact of First4Maths Academy was evident as pupil voice highlighted the love our children had for their maths lessons and how proud they were of their work. The continuous support and curriculum resources provided by First4Maths Academy enabled me, as subject leader, to confidently speak about our maths coverage from EYFS to Y6 and the inspectors recognised the impact First4Maths Academy was having on the attainment of our pupils. Furthermore, it was recognised that we, as a whole school, were meticulously adapting our teaching to make our lessons inclusive for all, enabling all children to reach their full potential. Undoubtedly, the support and guidance from First4Maths Academy made this possible.”