http://www.buzzardpublishing.com/

Buzzard Publishing, 2, Querns Cottages, Minety, Malmesbury (2025)

03/10/2025

If ‘mastery’ has been introduced as ‘all children must do the same thing at the same time’ then this will lead to problems.

Likewise, children being labelled and/or grouped with fixed ability labels (usually based on historic prior attainment) will also lead to the progress of some children being artificially capped.

Trying to balance supporting all learners to achieve in every lesson is an ongoing challenge and one of the most frequent questions we are asked is…

“How do I differentiate and bring learners along together?”

The use of labels is the BIG issue here:

- The use of ‘ability’ labels.
Typically, pupils are labelled ‘less able’, ‘more able’, etc based on their prior attainment. Historic data can be interesting but it only tells you about the past not the future.

- The use of the label ‘mastery’.
It is used in different ways by different people. It feels some resources have simply used the label ‘mastery’ to make them sound relevant and/or trendy. We believe ‘mastery’ is about teaching for secure and deep understanding.
At each stage, the aim is to support all pupils to have a secure understanding of mathematical concepts and to challenge pupils by deepening their understanding.

We tackle this and other key issues with implementing the 'mastery' approach here, in the hope that it helps you identify what might be holding you back in your classroom.

https://candomaths.mykajabi.com/blog/mastery-is-not-working

30/09/2025

A few years ago, a series of conversations with school leaders have highlighted to us that many have concerns about the retention of the learning within their school.

Given the nature of the ‘small steps’ curriculums they were using, it was clear to see why they felt that they didn’t’ have the time to practise, consolidate and apply their learning whilst still progressing through the curriculum.

Maybe you are coming up against the same issues with your learners?

In the lessons you know that even if they are moving through the ‘small steps’ as suggested by the scheme but it is not having the impact on long term memory.

It’s important to make the time to practise and consolidate learning, but how do you do this when you feel your scheme keeps moving on regardless and there are only so many hours available for maths in the curriculum?

We believe you need to be bold enough to make a structural change to your school timetable with a smarter use of curriculum time for maths: two sessions a day for maths!!

Shorten the amount of time for a maths lesson by focusing on one manageable step and introduce a shorter second maths session to keep maths on track, not for new learning.

The different emphasis means this second session is not just another maths lesson, call it something else – a Maths Meeting perhaps – and use it for:

- Revisiting and embedding arithmetic skills
- Recalling and securing key number facts
- Deliberate practising current or previous learning
- Same day / week ‘prevent the gap’ immediate intervention
- Pre-teaching
- Improving strategies to solve problems (e.g. use of bar model)
- Responding to a ‘surprise’

We have witnessed a huge change in schools that have implemented this structure and it is the missing piece in many schools.

Lingering longer in a maths lesson and then using a maths meeting to make the learning last longer results in all children making more sustainable progress.

A Maths Lesson/Maths Meeting structure will make the world of difference to your learners, and you.

Find out more about the positive impact and practical implementation of a second maths meeting in your classroom by watching our free training here...

https://candomaths.mykajabi.com/transform-maths

25/07/2025

From all of us here at 'Buzzard Towers'...

04/07/2025

🌟📚 Your Personal Touch Makes All the Difference in Your Children's Learning! 📚🌟

Ever felt like other lesson plans just don't quite fit your children's needs?

You're not alone...

Your unique insight and experience are invaluable when it comes to guiding your children's learning journey.

Sure, it's helpful to get advice and guidance on how to approach certain topics, but nothing beats your personal touch in teaching your children.

After all, you know them best!

That's where resources like CanDoMaths come in – they're here to support you, not replace you.

Think of them as your trusty sidekick, providing tools and tips to enhance your teaching experience and bring out the best in every lesson. 🚀

Ready to see how CanDoMaths Packages can support you?
Click the link below to find out more:

https://candomaths.mykajabi.com/all-access

If you have any questions, or need some guidance, please get in touch with us - [email protected], or book a demo call with one of the creators of CanDoMaths.

Just click the link below to schedule a call:
https://bookme.name/candomaths/lite/club-demo

Have a great weekend! 😁

24/06/2025

Let's Talk About "Small Steps" in Maths Teaching!

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the lesson plan suggests covering a seemingly massive topic in a single go? 🤔

The CanDoMaths Team (Liz Hopkins and Steve Lomax) have been there too, and it's no surprise that it can feel overwhelming for students. 📝

Take, for example, the concept of multiplying and dividing numbers by 10 and 100. Sure, it might sound like a "small step" on paper, but in reality, it's a lot to digest in just one lesson! 😅

Let's break it down:

- Whole numbers: 34 x 10 (just add a zero!🤨)

- Decimals: 3.4 x 10 (wait, the answer's not 3.40?)

- Whole number: 560 ÷ 10 (just remove the zero!🧐)

- Decimals: 0.56 ÷ 10 (uh-oh, the answer's not .56!)

And guess what? That's just multiplying by 10!

We've still got to tackle multiplying and dividing by 100 in the same lesson! 😱

Calling it a "small step" doesn't magically make it easier to teach or learn, especially when it feels like too much to cover in one go.

Some of us might even feel nervous about delivering these "small steps" of mastery. 😬

It's heartbreaking when we realise that some students are struggling to keep up during the lesson, and we simply don't have enough time to give them the support they need.

So, what's the solution?

We believe that "small steps" should actually be broken down into more manageable steps – ones that both teachers and students can handle without feeling overwhelmed. 🌟

If you're nodding along and feeling the struggle, check out our blog where we dive deeper into this topic: https://candomaths.mykajabi.com/blog/mastery-is-not-working

We hope you find it helpful! 👍 Let's make learning maths a more manageable journey for everyone! 🚀

05/06/2025

⭐️A series of conversations with school leaders have highlighted to us that many have concerns about the retention of the learning within their school.

Given the nature of the ‘small steps’ curriculums they were using, it was clear to see why they felt that they didn’t’ have the time to practise, consolidate and apply their learning whilst still progressing through the curriculum.

Maybe you are coming up against the same issues with your learners?

In the lessons you know that they are moving through the ‘small steps’ as suggested by the scheme but it is not having the impact on long term memory.

⏰It’s important to make the time to practise and consolidate learning, but how do you do this when you feel your scheme keeps moving on regardless and there are only so many hours available for maths in the curriculum?

🚀We believe you need to be bold enough to make a structural change to your school timetable with a smarter use of curriculum time for maths: two sessions a day for maths!!

Shorten the amount of time for a maths lesson by focusing on one manageable step and introduce a shorter second maths session to keep maths on track, not for new learning.

The different emphasis means this second session is not just another maths lesson, call it something else – a Maths Meeting perhaps – and use it for:
- Revisiting and embedding arithmetic skills
- Recalling and securing key number facts
- Deliberate practising current or previous learning
- Same day / week ‘prevent the gap’ immediate intervention
- Pre-teaching
- Improving strategies to solve problems (e.g. use of bar model)
- Responding to a ‘surprise’

We have witnessed a huge change in schools that have implemented this structure and it is the missing piece in many schools. Lingering longer in a maths lesson and then using a maths meeting to make the learning last longer results in all children making more sustainable progress.

A Maths Lesson/Maths Meeting structure will make the world of difference to your learners, and you.

Find out more about the positive impact and practical implementation of a second maths meeting in your classroom by watching our free training here...

https://candomaths.mykajabi.com/transform-maths

02/06/2025

Support your Year 6 learners to make the transition to the next stage, with our CanDoMaths ‘Moving on Up’ Resource, it's just what you need for Term 6! ✨

Carefully crafted in line with the DfE’s Ready to Progress guidance. It’s packed with engaging activities to revisit, challenge, and secure key learning.

It also includes two assessment grids, containing twelve questions.

If you want to take a look before you dive in, you can grab a FREE sample here: https://www.buzzardpublishing.com/mou-6-sample

📚 Already a CanDoMaths School? You’ll find it in your ‘My Resources’ area.

(This resources is also available for Year 2)

If you'd like to see more details, click here
https://www.buzzardpublishing.com/product/moving-on-up-year-6

22/05/2025

🚀CanDoMaths - Moving on Up Resource for Year 6*🚀

Specifically crafted and aligned with the core content of the non-statutory DfE Mathematics Ready to Progress Guidance, this resource is perfect for Term 6, with great activities to revisit, challenge, secure and apply the learning to ensure your learners are prepared for 'Moving on Up' to the next stage.

There is also an assessment element, which consists of two grids containing twelve questions.

If you'd like to see a sample, please click the link below:

https://www.buzzardpublishing.com/mou-6-sample

For those of you who are CanDoMaths Schools, these resources are included in your CanDoMaths Membership. You will find them in your 'My Resources' area on the website.

Find out more, or purchase via the website:
https://www.buzzardpublishing.com/product-page/moving-on-up-year-6

*Also available for Year 2

19/05/2025

📣Calling all CanDoMaths Schools:

Renewals for 2025-2026 are now open and the Early Bird Prices are available until the 1st July.

You can renew your current CanDoMaths Membership can now be renewed via the website. 🤩

There will be new support, training and resources included in your renewal for the academic year 2025-2026, more information on these will be released this week.

Have a great afternoon! 😁

[If you need help finding the renewals on the website, just email [email protected]]

15/05/2025

🌟 Dive into the world of multiplication with CanDo21! 🚀

If you've got your 2, 5, and 10 times tables down, you're only 21 facts away from mastering up to 10 x 10! 💡

Our innovative CanDo21 resource focuses on common multiples and factors, unlocking a treasure trove of related facts. 🎨✨

With colour-coded sheets and engaging activities, learners deepen their understanding while exploring each pair of factors.

Want a sneak peek?
🎥 Check out our Handy Hints videos on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/x0NoRUeBOcQ?si=I58hzg8qBYE4CQ73

Click the link below to learn more about CanDo21:
https://www.buzzardpublishing.com/product-page/cando21-1

07/05/2025

🌟📚 Your Feedback, Our Fuel! 🚀💬

At CanDoMaths, we thrive on hearing from our incredible CanDoMaths Schools. Your feedback fuels our passion to make a real difference in maths education. 🙌🍎

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who's taken the time to share their experiences with us!

Want to learn more about our CanDoMaths resources?

Find out more about our CanDoMaths All Access Pass Package that can revolutionise your teaching journey:
👉https://candomaths.mykajabi.com/all-access👈

Got questions or eager to connect with the brilliant minds behind CanDoMaths? Drop an email to Emma at [email protected] or lock in a demo call to experience the magic firsthand:
👉 https://bookme.name/candomaths/lite/club-demo

28/03/2025

It’s the CanDoMaths Conference today! Whoop! 😁🤩

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Buzzard Publishing

03/10/2025

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