Classroom Secrets review by MW

Date: 29.04.2022

Review subject: Maths

Phase: Primary

Reviewer: MW, Deputy head

Review rating:

Average rating across all Classroom Secrets reviews: 4/5

I only gave a one star because I could not give zero

How well does it match the curriculum?

Badly: There are many gaps in curriculum coverage

Does not grasp mastery in maths

How well does it support differentiation for the full range of the classes you use it with?

Badly: There isn’t enough range or some the age-related expectations are misaligned

Differentiation is limited beyond size on numbers

How well does it engage and motivate pupils?

Well: Pupils generally enjoy using it and tend to welcome doing so

They like it because it is easy but it does not secure learning

How well supported is it by accompanying formative assessments?

Badly: There isn’t any / enough formative assessment or what there is, isn’t very useful

It does not assess the correct elements of mastery in maths

How well does it support planning?

Badly: It takes a lot of time or additional resources to use it in the classroom

Some less confident teachers will use it thinking they are doing the right thing but it does not match expectations of mastery

How well does it support home use / independent learning?

Badly: It’s not really suitable for home use or independent learning

How would you rate it for value for money compared to similar resources?

Badly: It really isn’t worth investing the time or money in introducing this resource at a school like mine

It says it is something that it is not - if you buy in, you are wasting money