Maths
INTENT: At St Peter’s, our intent for mathematics is to deliver a rich, balanced and progressive curriculum that enables all pupils to reason, problem solve and develop a secure, fluent and conceptual understanding across all areas of mathematics. Our curriculum is designed to help children make sense of the world by drawing connections between mathematical concepts and real-life contexts, including links across STEM subjects such as science, technology and engineering. A strong emphasis is placed on developing key mathematical skills, including fluency, reasoning and problem solving, which underpin all areas of the curriculum. Through high-quality maths talk, pupils develop the ability to articulate, justify and explain their thinking. This begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage and is consistently embedded throughout the school, with all staff encouraging children to ask as well as answer mathematical questions.
IMPLEMENTATION: We follow the DfE-approved Power Maths scheme from EYFS to Year 6, which underpins our mastery approach to teaching and learning. Lessons are carefully structured to develop conceptual understanding, fluency, reasoning and problem solving through small, coherent steps. Representations and models are used effectively to expose mathematical structures and deepen understanding. Teachers use Power Maths long-term and medium-term planning to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum. The lesson structure is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils through adaptive teaching, including the use of scaffolding, targeted questioning, variation and timely intervention to support and challenge learners appropriately. Ongoing teacher assessment is embedded within daily lessons, allowing staff to respond swiftly to pupils’ needs and address misconceptions. In addition, termly NTS (National Test-style) assessments are used to monitor progress, inform planning and identify gaps in learning. The Mastering Number programme is delivered from EYFS to Year 5 four times a week, in addition to daily maths lessons. This strengthens pupils’ understanding of number, develops fluency with key facts and supports strong number sense across both KS1 and KS2. All pupils in Years 1 to 6 take part in daily pre-teach sessions, and additional ‘hotspot’ sessions where required. These targeted interventions revisit key concepts, enabling pupils to keep up with learning and be fully prepared for subsequent lessons.
IMPACT: As a result of our mathematics curriculum, pupils at St Peter’s develop into confident and capable mathematicians who:
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Demonstrate confidence and a positive attitude towards mathematics
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Can apply their mathematical knowledge across a range of contexts, including within STEM-related learning
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Use precise mathematical language to explain, justify and extend their thinking
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Show fluency and accuracy in recalling key facts, including multiplication and division
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Recognise relationships and make connections between different areas of mathematics
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Make good progress from their starting points, supported by effective assessment and timely intervention
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Develop a lasting enjoyment of mathematics that supports their transition to secondary education and beyond
To find out more about the curriculum our school is following please contact the school office: admin@st-peters-ashton.tameside.sch.uk