Teaching Assistants

Maths in the Real World: Supporting Everyday Application in KS1 and KS2 for Teaching Assistants

How often do pupils ask, “When will I ever use this in real life?” This course explores how teaching assistants can help pupils see mathematics as a practical, meaningful tool rather than an abstract subject, by making deliberate links between classroom learning and everyday situations. Drawing on the strategies developed throughout the course, it shows how structured talk, carefully chosen sentence stems, guided questioning and purposeful real-life contexts can deepen understanding, strengthen mathematical reasoning and build pupil confidence. With clear examples and practical approaches, the course supports TAs in reinforcing key concepts, prompting mathematical thinking and helping pupils recognise how number, measure, pattern and problem-solving shape the world around them.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania,
Jess Hursit & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

understand what real-life application in maths means and why connecting maths to everyday experiences increases pupil motivation, engagement and purpose;
explore and apply practical strategies for embedding maths in authentic contexts across KS1 and KS2, including everyday routines, real-world problems and meaningful tasks;
use role-play, games and real-world scenarios to make mathematical concepts relatable, accessible and memorable for all pupils;
support pupils to apply classroom learning confidently in real situations, building fluency, independence and resilience, while reducing maths anxiety through familiar, low-stakes contexts;
reflect critically on your own practice and plan immediate, short-term and longer-term approaches to embedding real-life maths consistently and sustainably across your curriculum.

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in years 2 and 6). Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a Twinkl CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful courses that continue to support educators and learners.

In collaboration with: Jess Hursit

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Jess Hursit is an experienced teacher with a strong background in maths education. As a former maths lead, she worked closely with Maths Hubs and supported the development of her school’s maths curriculum. Jess has worked in a leading training school, where her teaching was regularly observed by visiting educators, and she served as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.