Arbor
Mathematics
Our Intent
At St Gregory's, we believe that every child can become a confident, enthusiastic and successful mathematician. Our mathematics curriculum is designed to develop children's knowledge, skills and understanding through engaging, practical and purposeful learning experiences that reflect real-life situations.
We aim to inspire a love of mathematics while ensuring children develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Through making connections across mathematical concepts, pupils build confidence in applying their learning both within mathematics and across the wider curriculum.
We recognise that mathematics is essential for everyday life and provides the foundation for future learning in science, technology, engineering and many careers. Our curriculum equips children with the mathematical knowledge and understanding they need to make informed decisions, manage everyday situations and become lifelong learners.
At St Gregory's, we foster a positive and inclusive learning environment where children are encouraged to think logically, take mathematical risks, explain their reasoning and learn from mistakes. By developing resilience, perseverance and independence, we empower every child to approach mathematical challenges with confidence and curiosity.
Aims of Mathematics at St Gregory's
At St Gregory's , we aim to ensure that all pupils:
- Develop a positive attitude towards mathematics and enjoy learning the subject.
- Become fluent in fundamental mathematical skills and recall key facts with confidence.
- Build confidence and competence with number and the wider number system.
- Develop the ability to reason mathematically and solve problems in a range of meaningful contexts.
- Understand how mathematical information is gathered, represented, analysed and interpreted.
- Explore shape, space and measure, applying these concepts in practical and real-life situations.
- Communicate their mathematical thinking clearly through discussion, practical activities and written methods.
- Apply their mathematical knowledge and skills across the wider curriculum and in everyday life.
- Develop resilience, independence and perseverance when tackling mathematical challenges.
- Recognise the importance of mathematics as a life skill that prepares them for future learning and the world beyond school.
Implementation
At St Gregory's Catholic Primary School, our mathematics curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills build progressively from the Early Years through to Year 6, in line with the National Curriculum.
We deliver high-quality, inclusive teaching that provides appropriate challenge and support for every child. Lessons are designed to develop conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem-solving through engaging and purposeful learning experiences.
We use the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) approach to help children develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts. A wide range of practical resources and visual representations support learning before pupils move towards abstract methods. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, make connections between concepts and develop confidence in selecting efficient strategies.
Our calculation policy ensures a consistent approach to teaching the four operations across the school, supporting pupils in developing both mental and written calculation methods. Mathematical vocabulary is explicitly taught and modelled to enable pupils to communicate their reasoning accurately and confidently. Daily opportunities to practise arithmetic and recall key number facts, including Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs) and multiplication tables, help children develop fluency. In Year 4, pupils are prepared for the statutory Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) through regular practice using a range of engaging strategies and online resources, including Times Tables Rock Stars.
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. Teachers use ongoing formative assessment alongside termly summative assessments to identify next steps, adapt teaching and ensure all pupils make strong progress. Regular pupil progress meetings and moderation within school and with partner schools help to ensure that assessment is accurate, consistent and informs future planning.
Children who grasp concepts quickly are challenged through rich reasoning and problem-solving activities that deepen their understanding rather than accelerating them onto new content. Those who need additional support are provided with timely intervention and opportunities to consolidate learning before moving forward. Through high expectations, carefully planned teaching and a culture that values resilience, collaboration and mathematical thinking, we ensure every child is supported to achieve success and develop a lifelong confidence in mathematics.
As mentioned above, we use the C.P.A approach, which gives children the opportunity to build competency.
Concrete-children should have the opportunity to use concrete objects to help them understand what they are doing.
Pictorial- alongside this children should use pictorial representations. These representations can then be used to help reason and solve problems.
Abstract- both concrete and pictorial representations should support children’s understanding of abstract methods.
Impact
The impact of our mathematics curriculum is that children understand the relevance of what they are learning in relation to real world concepts. We have fostered an environment where the journey to finding an answer is most important. Our children have a growth mindset and they make measurable progression against their own targets.
As a result of our Maths teaching at St Gregory’s you will see:
- Engaged children who are all challenged.
- Confident children who can all talk about Maths and their learning and the links between Mathematical topics.
- Lessons that use a variety of resources to support learning.
- Different representations of mathematical concepts.
- Learning that is rigorously tracked and monitored to ensure all children make good progress.
Documents
Websites
- https://www.mathschase.com/
- https://ttrockstars.com/
- https://www.maths.co.uk/
- https://www.mathsisfun.com/
Year 4 Multiplication Check
