Mathematics

At our very small, mixed-age primary school, our vision for teaching mathematics is to foster a deep understanding and a love for the subject, ensuring that every child, from EYFS to Year 6, builds a solid foundation and develops confidence in their mathematical abilities. By using White Rose Maths alongside the Department for Education's (DfE) Ready-to-Progress criteria, we aim to deliver a comprehensive and engaging maths curriculum that meets the diverse needs of our pupils and prepares them for future success.

Intent

1. Foundational Understanding: We are committed to establishing a strong foundation in mathematics from an early age. Through White Rose Maths, we provide a structured approach to teaching key mathematical concepts, ensuring that pupils build a thorough understanding of number, operations, shapes, and problem-solving.

2. Progressive Skill Development: Our curriculum is designed to support continuous and progressive skill development in mathematics. By aligning with the DfE’s Ready-to-Progress criteria, we ensure that pupils grasp essential concepts at each stage of their learning, making connections between different areas of maths and building on prior knowledge effectively.

3. Differentiated Instruction: Recognising the diverse range of abilities and ages in our mixed-age classes, we tailor our instruction to meet individual needs. White Rose Maths offers a range of resources and differentiated activities that help us provide personalised support and challenge for all children, ensuring that everyone can progress at their own pace.

4. Engaging and Practical Learning: We aim to make maths learning engaging and relevant by incorporating practical activities, real-life contexts, and interactive resources. By using White Rose Maths’s engaging lessons and activities, we encourage pupils to see the value and application of mathematics in everyday life.

5. Fostering a Growth Mindset: We believe in fostering a growth mindset in our children, encouraging them to approach challenges with resilience and a positive attitude. Our maths curriculum promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn from mistakes, helping pupils to develop confidence and persistence.

1. EYFS and Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2):

• Foundational Skills: We focus on developing number sense, basic operations (addition and subtraction), and an understanding of shapes and measurements. White Rose Maths provides a structured approach with engaging, hands-on activities to support early mathematical learning.

• Practical and Interactive Learning: We use practical resources and interactive activities to introduce key concepts and encourage exploration. We emphasise the importance of mathematical language and reasoning.

2. Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6):

• Building on Foundations: We develop and extend knowledge in number, operations, fractions, geometry, and statistics. We ensure that pupils meet the DfE’s Ready-to-Progress criteria through targeted lessons and practice that build on previous learning.

• Advanced Concepts and Problem-Solving: We introduce more complex concepts, including multiplication and division, decimals, ratios, and algebraic thinking. We incorporate problem-solving activities that challenge pupils and encourage deeper mathematical reasoning.

• Application and Assessment: We provide opportunities for pupils to apply their skills in a variety of contexts, using assessments to monitor progress and inform instruction. We use White Rose Maths resources to support targeted interventions and enrichment. 

Impact

Through our maths curriculum, guided by White Rose Maths and the DfE’s Ready-to-Progress criteria, we aim for our children to:

1. Develop Strong Mathematical Foundations: Achieve a solid understanding of core mathematical concepts and operations, with the ability to apply these skills effectively in different contexts.

2. Build Confidence and Fluency: Gain confidence in their mathematical abilities and demonstrate fluency in number operations, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning.

3. Engage in Practical and Real-Life Maths: Recognise the relevance of mathematics in everyday life and use their skills to tackle real-world problems.

4. Progress at Their Own Pace: Receive tailored support and challenge to progress according to their individual needs and abilities, ensuring a personalised learning experience.

Our vision for teaching maths from EYFS to Year 6 is to provide a comprehensive, engaging, and supportive curriculum that meets the needs of every child. By leveraging White Rose Maths and the DfE’s Ready-to-Progress criteria, we are committed to helping all children develop a strong foundation in mathematics, foster a love for learning, and achieve success in their mathematical journey.