Our Approach

Maths Problems, Meet Bar Models.

As Maths specialists, we know what will help pupils clearly understand concepts and at the same time make teaching easier for the vast majority of teachers. We are very passionate about Bar Models because Bar Modelling, for us, is the most effective way to understand many aspects of the Maths curriculum at Primary level and a good portion at Secondary level.

We feel that the Bar Model approach will develop a child’s reasoning and understanding of Maths at nearly every level. From basic number sense to high-level reasoning skills, the Bar Model approach, when taught in the right way, can support all children – whether they are slower learners or whether they are already advanced learners at every age group.

Simply put, if your school isn’t using the Bar Model approach consistently throughout each and every year group, then you are missing out on an effective strategy which will benefit your school children, teachers and the whole school community.

What is Bar Modelling?

OK, so you are intrigued? So here is the dull and boring bit. In essence, Bar Modelling is a way to illustrate a problem by using bars. Doesn’t seem that interesting or revolutionary right?

Well according to the teachers that we have trained, it is absolutely amazing and they truly don’t know how they have been living without it all this time. Enticing?

The Bar Model approach has changed my life! Teaching problem-solving has been so much of a different experience than previously.

Numerous Teachers

Why use the Bar Model approach?

01

Problem

Problem-solving has always been an issue in classrooms. Bar Models give you a way to solve this issue!

02

Access

Stretch those pupils who are excelling and give those who take longer a better chance to understand.

03

Reasoning

Improve reasoning skills in your class with bar modelling – you won’t believe how much can be achieved.

04

Mastery

Teach to mastery where steps for problem-solving questions are clearly seen rather than through rote.

What will you see in your class?

Being a school committed to maths mastery & the bar model approach means you will see some amazing changes.
Here are just some of those changes we’ve seen in many schools all over England and the world.

Participation

When children ‘see’ maths, they are much more confident to share their ideas and participate in class discussions.

Problem-Solving

Mastering the bar model approach will see an incredible upsurge in children flourishing in problem-solving.

Understanding

Seeing maths and exploring the ‘why’ and not just the ‘how’ elevates understanding for the whole class.

Articulation

Can you imagine some of your children who struggle in maths are now able to articulate their ideas?

Visualisation

When challenging questions are given, being able to visualise the problem makes a huge difference.

Growth Mindset

A massive part of learning is to have that ‘growth mindset’ we all talk about. Our training delivers on this in abundance.

Our Approach

Our approach to CPD has always been to elevate the teachers into a position of power. When we are asked to enter a school to deliver Maths training, whether that be bar modelling or maths mastery training, we make sure EVERY session is an engaging training session where teachers are able to be HANDS ON and ‘see’ maths evolve in front of their eyes.

We promise our training will…

  • Be hands-on
  • Use maths mastery strategies
  • Be visual
  • Concentrate on the ‘why’ and not just the ‘how’
  • Give teachers strategies that they can use the following day
  • Have high levels of questioning
  • Get your teachers on their feet and answering questions
  • Use manipulatives to show maths
  • Involve the CPA approach and link the Concrete and Pictoral to the abstract
  • Focus on pedagogy as well as subject knowledge
  • Inspire and motivate your teachers to teach maths
  • …and more