Mathematics

Our vision for mathematics

We want children to enjoy finding patterns, making connections and solving problems. A secure understanding of number helps pupils reason with confidence and use mathematics in everyday life.

What children learn

Reception develops number, pattern, comparison, shape and measure. EYFS to Year 6 follow White Rose Maths by individual year group, with termly sequences for each year. Alongside this, Mastering Number in Reception and KS1 strengthens children's understanding of numbers and the relationships between them. We introduced Mastering Number at KS2 in 2026–27 to strengthen fluency and flexibility with multiplication and division. The wider curriculum is in Year A in 2026–27 and Year B in 2027–28; the year-group maths sequence continues in both cycles.

Year group	Autumn, spring and summer
Reception	Counting, comparing and composing numbers; shapes, measures and patterns through play and guided teaching
Years 1–6	Each year has a separate autumn, spring and summer White Rose scheme of learning; publish a short school-owned termly summary for each year

Essential Knowledge and progression

Children develop number sense, calculation fluency, understanding of shape and measure, and ways to interpret information. New methods build on prior understanding, with reasoning and problem solving throughout. Mastering Number gives children repeated opportunities to see how numbers are made and related; at KS2, its multiplication and division focus helps children use facts and connections efficiently. Multiplication facts are a particular focus in Years 3 and 4.

A learning journey: In Reception, a child might recognise that five is made of two and three using counters. In Year 1, this supports bonds to 10 and addition or subtraction within 20. In Year 2, the same part–whole idea helps children calculate with two-digit numbers. In KS2, secure place value and number facts support written methods, fractions and increasingly complex problems. Multiplication begins with equal groups and repeated addition; fluent facts then make division, fractions and proportional reasoning more accessible. The actual White Rose sequence remains specific to each year group in both Year A and Year B.

How we teach it

Teachers use examples, practical resources, images and mathematical talk to help children understand concepts and explain methods. Practice helps pupils become fluent, while questions and problems allow them to apply learning. Mastering Number provides focused opportunities to notice patterns, explain connections and practise number facts alongside each year group's White Rose sequence.

DISCERN in this subject: Children might first recall number bonds, watch the teacher model a new calculation using counters and a diagram, practise with worked examples and compare methods with a partner. A mini-whiteboard question checks understanding before independent reasoning and problem solving. Next Steps retrieve the method and apply it to a less familiar problem.

How all children take part

Teachers check prior understanding, choose representations carefully and provide additional explanation or challenge as needed. Children can use resources to explain their thinking as they move towards independence.

How we check learning

Responses in lessons, explanations, calculations and problem solving show what children have understood. Teachers use this to revisit misconceptions and decide what comes next.

The Marking and Feedback Policy distinguishes checking an answer from recognising the knowledge behind it. A correct answer may receive a tick; selective green highlighting shows where the essential mathematical idea is demonstrated. Misconceptions can lead to a short GAP task, another model or further practice, followed by time for the child to respond.

Beyond the classroom

Children use mathematics when measuring, comparing, noticing patterns and solving practical problems. The annual January STEAM Day offers opportunities to use number, measurement and reasoning in wider challenges. Magical Maths featured in the summer 2026 club programme. Families can reinforce number facts and talk about mathematics in daily life.