INTENT
At Latchford St James, we believe that mathematics is a fundamental life skill that underpins understanding of the world, fosters logical reasoning, and provides the tools for solving real-life problems. A secure understanding of mathematical concepts equips children to be confident, resilient, and independent learners who can apply their skills in a variety of contexts.
We follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which supports the principles of a mastery curriculum, ensuring that all pupils develop a deep and sustainable understanding of mathematics. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge, with small steps introduced progressively to secure conceptual understanding before moving on. We are committed to developing fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving in all pupils. Through consistent exposure to a variety of representations, mathematical vocabulary, and structured practice, pupils learn to see connections across topics, develop confidence, and articulate their thinking clearly.
Our intent is to deliver a mathematics curriculum that:
- Follows a mastery approach – ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed and make progress together.
- Prioritises depth before breadth – pupils develop a secure understanding of key concepts before moving on, avoiding superficial coverage of content.
- Develops mathematical fluency – enabling pupils to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
- Encourages reasoning and problem-solving – equipping pupils to think logically, make connections, and apply their knowledge in unfamiliar situations.
- Promotes a positive attitude towards mathematics – fostering resilience, curiosity, and enjoyment in exploring mathematical ideas.
- Ensures progression and coherence – with carefully structured small steps that build cumulatively across year groups, providing a consistent journey through mathematics.
- Supports inclusion and equity – with scaffolding and challenge in place so that every child can access and achieve within the curriculum.
By the end of their primary journey, our pupils will leave with a strong mathematical foundation, able to apply their learning with confidence in secondary school and beyond.
IMPLEMENTATION
We use the White Rose Maths scheme of learning to provide a clear, progressive framework that is fully aligned with the National Curriculum. Implementation is characterised by:
- Small steps progression – concepts are broken down and sequenced to ensure secure understanding before moving on.
- Concrete–pictorial–abstract (CPA) approach – manipulatives and visual representations are used to build deep conceptual understanding, gradually moving towards abstract thinking.
- Fluency development – daily practice and retrieval opportunities, including number facts, multiplication tables and mental arithmetic, ensure knowledge is retained and recalled efficiently.
- Mathematical reasoning and discussion – children are encouraged to explain their thinking, use precise mathematical vocabulary, and justify their answers.
- Problem-solving opportunities – pupils apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts, developing resilience and flexible thinking.
- Differentiation through scaffolding and challenge – all pupils access the same core learning, with support provided where necessary and opportunities for greater depth available.
- Regular assessment – ongoing formative assessment informs teaching and identifies misconceptions early. Termly summative assessments monitor progress and ensure children remain on track.
- Professional development for staff – teachers receive training and support to ensure strong subject knowledge and confidence in delivering mastery mathematics
IMPACT
The expected impact of our Mathematics curriculum is that children will:
- Develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts that can be built upon year by year.
- Are fluent, confident and accurate in recalling number facts and methods.
- Can reason mathematically, explaining their ideas and justifying their answers.
- Are able to solve a variety of problems, applying their knowledge to new situations.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards mathematics, showing perseverance, curiosity and enjoyment.
- Achieve in line with or above age-related expectations, ready to make a confident transition to secondary school.
We measure impact through:
- Daily assessment for learning within lessons.
- Termly summative assessments using White Rose and other tools.
- Pupil voice, which demonstrates positive attitudes and enjoyment of maths.
- Book looks and lesson observations to monitor consistency and progression.
- End of Key Stage statutory assessments, which provide a summative measure of achievement
