Mathematics
We actively engage with 'Angles', our local Maths Hub. This means that staff are always up to date with the latest developments in teaching mathematics.
Intent
At Southtown Primary School, we believe that mathematics is an essential life skill. It helps pupils understand, interpret, and interact with the world around them. Our goal is for all children to develop a positive and confident attitude towards mathematics. We want them to build resilience and curiosity to explore concepts in depth.
We aim for children to become fluent in basic mathematical knowledge, particularly in numbers, calculations, and mathematical language. This will help them reason effectively and apply their understanding accurately in different situations. Our curriculum is carefully designed and structured to ensure children build a strong understanding over time. It also encourages meaningful connections between concepts and revisits key topics to reinforce long-term memory.
We provide an inclusive mathematics curriculum that is accessible, relevant, and representative of all learners, regardless of their background or starting point. Problem-solving and reasoning are at the heart of our approach. We encourage children to express their thoughts, learn from their mistakes, and keep trying when they face challenges. By the time they leave our school, we aim for children to have the mathematical knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in the next phase of their education and beyond.
Implementation
Mathematics is taught daily, using White Rose Maths as a structured foundation to ensure progression and complete coverage of the National Curriculum. Our planning is informed by ongoing assessments and tailored to meet the needs of our children. This allows teachers to effectively address misunderstandings, gaps in learning, and individual starting points.
Our approach is further enhanced by working with the local Maths Hub. This helps us ensure that our teaching reflects current best practices and mastery principles. Lessons are well-structured, following an ‘I do, We do, You do’ model that is consistent across the school. This model allows teachers to demonstrate new learning clearly, provide guided practice, and support children toward independent application.
We teach using a concrete, pictorial, and abstract (CPA) approach. Children often use a range of manipulatives and representations, such as counters, place value equipment, and bar models. This helps them build a strong conceptual understanding before moving to abstract methods. We explicitly teach and reinforce mathematical vocabulary to support reasoning and clear communication.
We emphasise fluency, especially with numbers and calculations. We ensure that this is embedded by using Fluency Bee regularly to develop confident automaticity and recall. Additionally, we incorporate Flashback 4 in all lessons to review prior learning, correct misunderstandings, and support long-term retention.
Reasoning and problem-solving are central to all mathematics lessons. Children are encouraged to explain their reasoning, justify their methods, and explore different strategies. Teachers ask effective questions and use ongoing assessments to adjust their teaching as needed. This ensures lessons are inclusive and responsive, helping all pupils make progress.
Impact
Children develop a solid understanding and fluency in fundamental mathematical concepts. They can reason mathematically, solve problems with increasing confidence, and explain their thoughts using precise mathematical language.
Children show positive attitudes towards mathematics. They show resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. By the time they leave our school, our pupils are increasingly prepared for the next step in their education. They own the knowledge, skills, and confidence to apply mathematics effectively not only across the curriculum but also in everyday life.