Maths at St Andrew's
At St Andrew’s CE Primary School, we believe mathematics is a vital life skill that helps children make sense of the world around them. Our aim is for all pupils to develop confidence, competence and enjoyment in mathematics, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills in a range of contexts.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils develop fluency in fundamental mathematical concepts, alongside the ability to reason mathematically and solve increasingly complex problems. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils build a secure understanding of number, calculation, shape, space and measure, while recognising patterns, relationships and changes in quantity.
We encourage pupils to think logically, explain their reasoning and use mathematical language to communicate their understanding. Through varied and meaningful opportunities, pupils learn to apply their mathematical knowledge across the curriculum and in real-life situations.
Ultimately, we aim for every child at St Andrew’s to become a confident, resilient and independent mathematician, equipped with the knowledge, skills and problem-solving abilities needed for the next stage of their education and everyday life.
How do we teach maths?
At St Andrew’s CE Primary School, mathematics is taught through a carefully planned and sequenced curriculum that provides pupils with opportunities to develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills across all areas of mathematics.
Our teaching is based on the White Rose Scheme of Learning, which provides clear progression and carefully sequenced small steps in learning. This is enhanced with additional materials to ensure the curriculum meets the needs of our pupils. In EYFS and Key Stage 1, we also use the Mastering Number programme to strengthen children’s understanding of number and develop secure early mathematical foundations.
Within lessons, pupils engage in a range of activities including practical exploration, written methods, problem solving, investigations, mathematical discussion and the consolidation of key number facts and skills. These varied approaches support pupils in developing a secure conceptual understanding and confidence when applying mathematics.
We recognise the importance of establishing strong foundations in mental calculation and the rapid recall of number facts before introducing formal written methods. Mathematical vocabulary is taught explicitly and pupils are encouraged to use correct terminology when explaining their thinking both verbally and in writing.
Mathematics is also applied across the wider curriculum wherever possible, allowing pupils to use and develop their skills in meaningful, real-life contexts.
Teachers provide appropriately challenging work that encourages pupils to explain their thinking and discuss their strategies. Pupils who need additional support are identified quickly and receive targeted help to secure their understanding, while pupils who grasp concepts rapidly are challenged through deeper reasoning, investigations and problem-solving tasks to extend their learning.
Please look at the documents below for information about how we teach Maths at St Andrew's, this is based on the White Rose Scheme of Learning enhanced with additional materials to meet our children's needs. In EYFS and Key Stage 1 we also utilise Mastering Number.
