M.A.S.T.E.R Program Overview

Welcome to the M.A.S.T.E.R program at Cosmos Primary School – a comprehensive, immersive, and strategically designed initiative driving Mathematics Advancement through Strategic Thinking, Exploration, and Reasoning. Our program commits to building a robust and enduring mathematical foundation for students, nurturing their abilities from the early years and supporting them across all key stages of their educational journey.

In the M.A.S.T.E.R program, we utilize the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) pedagogical method. This structured progression from tangible experiences to abstract symbolism helps students form meaningful connections and build a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics.

Moreover, our program draws inspiration from the Learning Trajectories framework by Clements and Sarama. This pioneering work offers a comprehensive map of students' typical learning pathways as they master mathematical concepts, guiding us to design our program in harmony with the natural progression of mathematical understanding.

Counting Principles & Number Sense

A cornerstone of our M.A.S.T.E.R program is fostering robust counting principles and number sense, especially vital in the early years and extending into the key stages. We curate a rich repertoire of activities aimed at promoting spatial thinking, exploration of the 'one more/one less' concept, anchoring to 5 and 10, and understanding part-part-whole relationships. This solid foundation supports our learners' successful navigation of the mathematical landscape.

Fact Fluency

Our journey into mathematics then leads to the enhancement of Fact Fluency. With sophisticated digital tools like numbersensemaths.com, Numbots, and Times Tables Rockstar, we foster rapid recall and accurate application of basic arithmetic facts. This bedrock of skills bolsters students' mathematical competence, equipping them for the exploration of more complex mathematical concepts.

Problem-Solving & Reasoning

Lastly, the M.A.S.T.E.R program integrates advanced elements of problem-solving and reasoning. Through contextual word problems based on the Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) approach and interactive Math Talks, we encourage students to form their problem-solving strategies and articulate their mathematical thoughts. This practice not only sharpens their analytical and critical thinking abilities but also promotes a culture of collaborative learning and constructive dialogue.

Aligned with our core curriculum - the White Rose Maths, the M.A.S.T.E.R program guarantees a seamless and well-rounded mathematical learning experience. It's more than a program—it's a comprehensive guide that enables students to master mathematical concepts, evolve critical thinking, enhance problem-solving abilities, and most importantly, foster a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and practicality of mathematics.