Skip to main content

View related sites

  • Thought leadership
  • Media
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Events
  • Contact us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Cambridge Mathematics

  • About us
  • The Cambridge Mathematics Framework
  • Our services
  • For teachers and practitioners
  • Blogs
  • Research
  • Thought leadership
  • Media
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Contact us
  • print

6 - Big picture maths

  • Cambridge Mathematics
  • Consultation
  • 6 - Big picture maths
  • Consultation
    • 12 - Discrete versus continuous
    • 11 - Uncertainty
    • 10 - Experience and assessment
    • 9 - Digital maths
    • 8 - Big ideas
    • 7 - Constructing a progression
    • 6 - Big picture maths
    • 5 - Maths for life
    • 4 - Populating
    • 3 - Concepts
    • 2 - Performance
    • 1 - Structure

QUESTION 6: big picture maths

What should/could a ‘big picture’ of learning maths contain? 

I was lucky enough to work with Anne Watson recently. We set ourselves the task of creating a ‘big picture’ of learning mathematics. We considered tables such as Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and Khan Academy, tube maps such as Cambridge Mathematics Education Project (CMEP), other pictures such as trees with roots, trunk and branches, and finally settled on what seemed to be quite a messy network of connected post-it notes.  

I’m now less interested in the model itself, but would like some input on what we could use to populate whichever model is decided upon – what would you write on those post it notes? 

Processes? ‘Big’ ideas? Recurring themes? Mathematical subject content? 

What should a ‘big picture’ of learning maths contain? I’d be very happy to hear of any innovative work on this.

The Cambridge Mathematics Manifesto

Cambridge Mathematics Manifesto

View a PDF of the Manifesto

Read the Manifesto

The Cambridge Mathematics Framework

Cambridge Mathematics Framework

View a PDF

Read about the Framework

Useful links

  • Home
  • About us
  • The Cambridge Mathematics Framework
  • Services
  • For teachers & practitioners
  • Blogs
  • Research
  • Thought leadership
  • Media
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ
  • Contact us

About Cambridge Mathematics

Cambridge Mathematics is committed to championing and securing a world class mathematics education for all students from 3 – 19 years old, applicable to both national and international contexts and based on evidence from research and practice.

  • Cambridge Mathematics

View Related Sites

  • University of Cambridge
  • Cambridge University Press & Assessment
  • Faculty of Mathematics
  • Faculty of Education

© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility and Standards
  • Data Protection
  • Use of Cookies
  • Statement on Modern Slavery
  • Terms and Conditions
Back to top
We use cookies. By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies