A recent Estyn report into maths across Wales found issues with teaching leading to a poor standard of maths ability across Wales. A lack of understanding of the new curriculum, unclear targets and missed opportunities to push more able students are all major contributing factors.
00:00The quality of maths education in Wales remains too inconsistent according to an Estyn report raising concerns over how pupils are being taught across both primary and secondary schools in Wales.
00:13The report is based on inspections, surveys and school visits carried out last year and it paints a mixed picture.
00:20While there are strong examples of effective teaching, Estyn says too many pupils are underperforming and that variation in the quality of teaching is a significant barrier.
00:29Inspectors say teachers lack subject specific support and too often don't have the training or confidence to teach maths conceptually.
00:37That's leading to over reliance on the off the shelf lesson plans, a focus on procedures rather than understanding and missed opportunities to deepen pupils learning.
00:47Where teaching was strong, pupils were encouraged to think independently, misconceptions were identified and addressed quickly and teachers used questioning well to stretch and support all learners.
00:58Curriculum design was another key issue. While the best schools built progression clearly into their maths planning, others lacked a full understanding of the Curriculum for Wales guidance, leaving teachers unsure how to support pupil development in a meaningful way.
01:13Estyn also warns that national guidance needs to be clear about what progress in maths should look like and that professional learning must be better targeted.
01:21Too many teachers are unaware of support available or are offered training that's too generic to be useful in the classroom.
01:28The report ends with recommendations for government, local authorities and schools, all aimed at raising expectations, improving leadership and ensuring every pupil in Wales gets the quality maths education they deserve.
01:40James々-Jane's Pete Watkins reporting for Local TV.
