MATHEMATICS

At St Raphael’s, we aim to develop an inspiring and positive attitude towards mathematics. We want all children to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through enquiry, reasoning and problem solving, using a range of learning strategies and working both collaboratively and independently.

We teach mathematics using a mastery approach, following the White Rose Maths schemes of learning. Teachers have high expectations of all children and believe that every child can succeed in mathematics. Through our teaching, we want children to gain confidence, express their ideas fluently and use precise mathematical language to explain and justify their thinking.

Our approach focuses on developing a secure understanding of key mathematical concepts. Learning is carefully sequenced in small, manageable steps, allowing children to build on prior knowledge and make meaningful connections. Children are encouraged to explore ideas, spot patterns, reason and apply their learning in a range of contexts. Where appropriate, concrete resources, pictorial representations and abstract methods are used to support and deepen understanding.

This begins in the EYFS, where the main focus is developing a strong understanding of number. Children develop number sense through practical experiences, exploration and mathematical talk. Subitising is an important part of this, helping children recognise the number of items in a small group without counting and relate numbers to actual quantities.

Our mathematics lessons are underpinned by the principles of a mastery approach:

• Small steps and coherence – learning is carefully sequenced so that new knowledge builds securely on prior understanding.
• Representation and structure – carefully chosen concrete and pictorial representations help reveal mathematical concepts and connections.
• Mathematical thinking and reasoning – children are encouraged to explain, justify and prove their thinking using precise mathematical vocabulary.
• Fluency – children develop confidence and accuracy through varied practice and secure recall of key number and multiplication facts.
• Variation – different examples and representations help children recognise patterns, relationships and connections.
• Problem solving – children apply their mathematical knowledge to a range of routine and non-routine problems, developing resilience and confidence.

The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics and develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge accurately.
• Reason mathematically by following lines of enquiry, making conjectures and developing arguments and justifications using mathematical language.
• Solve a range of routine and non-routine problems, breaking problems into manageable steps and persevering in finding solutions.

Through our mathematics curriculum, we want all children to become confident, fluent and resilient mathematicians who can make connections, reason clearly and apply their knowledge successfully.