Mathematics

Intent

At St Barnabas Nursery and Primary, we believe that every child can achieve in mathematics. We want pupils to develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts, alongside confidence, resilience and a positive attitude towards maths.

Our aim is for children to become fluent in key mathematical skills, to reason mathematically and to solve problems with increasing independence. We place a strong emphasis on building secure foundations, making connections between concepts and understanding the structure of mathematics, rather than relying on memorisation alone.

From the earliest years, children develop a strong sense of number through practical experiences, talk and exploration. Our Nursery Strong Foundations approach, alongside the use of Mastering Number in Reception and Key Stage 1, ensures that pupils build a secure understanding of number, which underpins all future mathematical learning.

We want pupils to leave St Barnabas as confident, capable mathematicians who see maths as meaningful, enjoyable and relevant to everyday life.

Implementation

Mathematics is taught using White Rose Maths, which provides a carefully sequenced and coherent curriculum aligned to the National Curriculum. Learning is organised into small, manageable steps so that new knowledge builds securely on what pupils already know.

Teaching focuses on:

• Clear modelling and explanation of new concepts

• Use of concrete, pictorial and abstract representations to deepen understanding

• Opportunities to develop fluency, reasoning and problem solving in every lesson

• Careful use of variation so pupils notice patterns and make connections

In Reception and Key Stage 1, daily Mastering Number sessions strengthen pupils’ understanding of number composition, subitising and number relationships.

From the point at which multiplication and division are introduced in the National Curriculum, pupils are explicitly taught and supported to develop secure knowledge of times tables. This includes regular practice, retrieval activities and opportunities to apply times tables knowledge within lessons.

Lessons are structured to reduce cognitive load and spotlight the most important information. Teachers model thinking aloud, highlight key ideas and provide opportunities for guided and independent practice.

Pupils are encouraged to think hard about mathematics. They explain their reasoning, justify answers, spot patterns and make connections between different areas of maths. Talk partners, sentence stems and mathematical vocabulary are used to support oracy in maths.

Regular retrieval practice helps pupils to remember and apply prior learning. Where needed, additional support and targeted intervention ensure that all pupils can keep up and succeed.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Barnabas, they:

• Have secure knowledge of key mathematical concepts

• Are fluent in number and calculation, including recall and application of times tables

• Can reason mathematically and explain their thinking

• Solve problems with confidence and perseverance

• Show a positive attitude towards maths and believe they can succeed

Pupils leave St Barnabas as resilient and reflective mathematicians who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and who approach challenges with aspiration and confidence.