Mathematics | St Mary's Bryanston Square

Why we teach maths

To make Maths relevant and meaningful to the children so that they can see how it plays a part in their world, the real world and the ‘maths world’.
Build pupils’ resilience.
Children have the opportunity to enjoy numbers for numbers’ sake.
Children will be able to make links between different areas of maths (i.e. recognise that a missing number question is the same as finding how much liquid is added to a jug)
We believe that every child can achieve well

How we teach maths

In the Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception classes), the curriculum is guided by the Early Years Outcomes. A range of independent and adult led Maths activities are available on a daily basis, both indoors and outdoors (including during free flow time). Maths activities are always set in a practical context.

In Nursery, direct maths teaching doesn’t start until the children have the appropriate language skills, although there are always opportunities for maths learning in the independent activities available.

Teaching focuses on number recognition, counting and shape.

In Reception class, the children have at least 3 formal Maths sessions a week, each followed by an adult-led activity with the teacher. The pupils’ emerging attempts to record work will be recorded in their Foundation Stage profile, which are shared with parents.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, we follow the National Curriculum.

In Years 1, 2 and 3, children are taught using the Inspire Maths textbooks. These support us in delivering a mastery curriculum, which results in pupils having a deeper understanding of Maths.

In Years 4, 5 and 6, Maths is taught using the principles of mastery: all children are given a chance to be challenged as there are no fixed Maths groups; a variety of visual representations and materials (e.g. Numicon, base 10 blocks) are used; children are encouraged to record in a range of ways; they are taught to use maths in a range of different contexts to ensure deeper understanding.

Throughout the school we use 1:1 and small group teaching to enhance our Maths class teaching, to enable pupils to reach the highest possible standards in Maths by addressing any individual gaps or misconceptions.