The recent Estyn report highlights critical areas for improvement in maths education across Wales. Discover the key insights and actionable solutions to elevate standards.
Understanding the Estyn Report Findings
The recent Estyn report, 'Unlocking Potential: Insights into Improving Teaching and Leadership in Mathematics Education,' paints a concerning picture of maths education standards in Wales. The report highlights that while there are commendable practices, the overall quality of maths teaching is too variable, resulting in low pupil standards. Inspection evidence indicates that teachers often lack sufficient subject knowledge and effective pedagogical strategies, leading to a limited understanding of how best to support pupils' learning.
The report underscores the importance of effective teaching methods, high-quality questioning, a supportive learning environment, professional learning, and parental involvement as key factors in enhancing mathematics education. Where teaching was most effective, teachers had high expectations, used a range of teaching and assessment techniques, and ensured pupils understood mathematical concepts deeply.
Key Elements of Effective Maths Teaching
Effective maths teaching, as identified in the Estyn report, includes several key elements. Teachers with strong subject knowledge focus on helping pupils understand mathematical concepts rather than just teaching them steps to get the correct answers. They plan lessons starting with desired learning outcomes and work backwards to design activities that build on pupils' learning.
High-quality teaching involves a balance of explicit instruction and opportunities for pupils to explore concepts, collaborate, and develop their mathematical independence. Successful teachers use questioning to deepen pupils' understanding, address misconceptions, and encourage pupils to think critically and reflectively about their learning. Celebrating mistakes as learning opportunities and creating a positive classroom climate where pupils feel safe to take risks is also crucial.
Challenges in the Current Curriculum
The Estyn report highlights several challenges within the current mathematics curriculum in Wales. One significant issue is the over-reliance on procedural fluency at the expense of developing pupils' mathematical proficiencies. This approach limits pupils' ability to apply their numeracy skills across the curriculum and in real-life contexts.
Another challenge is the variability in curriculum design and delivery. Some schools rely heavily on purchased schemes of work without adapting them to meet pupils' needs. Additionally, there is often a lack of clarity and support for teachers and leaders in understanding the Curriculum for Wales requirements and effective curriculum planning. This confusion leads to inconsistent expectations and standards of pupil progress in mathematics.
Recommendations for Improving Maths Standards in Wales
To address these challenges, the Estyn report offers several recommendations. Schools should ensure that mathematics subject leaders maintain a clear focus on improving the quality of teaching and understanding the proficiencies. Teachers need adequate time and support to enhance their subject knowledge and pedagogy, and assessment practices should support effective teaching.
The report also recommends that the Welsh Government provide more detailed expectations for pupil progress in mathematics and ensure local authorities offer effective support for teaching and leadership. Promoting a positive attitude towards learning mathematics among pupils, parents, and carers is also vital. Furthermore, professional learning opportunities should be tailored to the specific needs of mathematics education.
How Sumdog Can Help Raise Maths Standards
With it's new alignment to the Curriculum for Wales, Sumdog is uniquely positioned to support the areas of concern highlighted in the Estyn report to support improving maths standards in Wales.
As a game-based maths practice platform, Sumdog's adaptive learning technology helps pupils build maths fluency and confidence in children aged 5-14. Sumdog provides a personalised learning journey that adapts questions to each child's needs, ensuring they receive targeted support to address their specific learning gaps.
Sumdog's questions complement concrete, pictorial and abstract (CPA) teaching by using pictorial representations to bridge the gap between concrete experiences and abstract thinking. This scaffolding approach builds confidence, enabling children to tackle problems with greater ease and understanding.
Sumdog's engaging and inclusive approach helps create a positive learning environment where pupils are motivated to succeed. The platform's focus on developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, rather than just procedural fluency, aligns with the report's recommendations for effective teaching. Additionally, Sumdog provides valuable insights and data for teachers to monitor pupil progress and tailor their instruction accordingly.
By integrating Sumdog into their teaching strategies, Welsh schools can enhance the quality of maths education, support teachers in developing their subject knowledge, and create a more engaging and effective learning experience for pupils.
References
Estyn (2025), "Unlocking Potential: Insights into Improving Teaching and Leadership in Mathematics Education," 5th June 2025,
Available at: https://estyn.gov.wales/improvement-resources/unlocking-potential-insights-into-improving-teaching-and-leadership-in-mathematics-education/