In mathematics lessons we value depth of understanding over speed of learning, in line with mastery principles. We have high expectations for all pupils and a firm belief that everyone can achieve, with lessons designed so that all children access the same ambitious curriculum through appropriate support and challenge. Long-term gaps in learning are prevented through swift teacher intervention and those pupils who grasp concepts more quickly are given opportunities to deepen their understanding through rich reasoning, problem-solving and challenge, rather than accelerating on to new curriculum content.

Problem-solving, reasoning and mathematical thinking are central to our approach. Pupils are supported to calculate with confidence and fluency while developing a secure understanding of the structure of mathematics and why methods work, rather than simply learning procedures by rote. It is vital that pupils can apply their knowledge to a wide range of problems, explain their thinking clearly and justify their methods using precise mathematical language.

The White Rose Maths Curriculum is followed from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring a coherent and carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and skills (Coherence). Concepts are broken down using a small steps approach, allowing pupils to master each idea securely before moving on, so that children keep up rather than catch up. Variation is used within lessons to help pupils notice patterns, connections and relationships within mathematics. See the calculation policies below to show current methods.

In EYFS, we prioritise building a secure number sense and deep conceptual understanding of numbers to 10, using concrete resources, pictorial representations and structured opportunities to explore the composition of number (Representation & Structure). Mastering Number @ KS1 provides the main maths input in Reception, ensuring that children develop secure early number fluency through daily, structured lessons. This strong foundation underpins future calculation strategies and mathematical fluency.

In KS1, pupils build upon the strong number sense developed in EYFS, with Mastering Number @ KS1 continuing to be used in Years 1 and 2 to further develop pupils’ number fluency, confidence and automaticity. Pupils progressively apply this understanding to increasingly sophisticated mental calculation strategies, and we ensure that they have a secure and automatic recall of number bonds, which supports both fluency and confidence in early calculation.

In KS2, pupils continue to progress through the curriculum with a growing focus on efficient formal written methods alongside secure mental strategies. There is an increased emphasis on the application of these skills to a wide range of mathematical problems, developing resilience and flexible thinking.

Throughout the school, the consistent use of concrete, pictorial and abstract representations support pupils to understand the underlying mathematical structures (Representation & Structure). The accurate and precise use of mathematical vocabulary is explicitly taught from EYFS onwards and developed progressively, enabling pupils to reason, explain and communicate their thinking with clarity (Mathematical Thinking).

Pupils are encouraged to develop rapid and accurate recall of key number facts, including number bonds and multiplication facts, to support mathematical fluency. A range of resources, including TT Rockstars, NumBots and other online platforms, are used to reinforce learning and promote independent practice.

Ultimately, we aim to develop independent, resilient and confident mathematicians who can think deeply, reason logically and apply their skills across a range of contexts, equipping them with the mathematical understanding and confidence to succeed both now and in the future.