Mathematics – Intent Statement

At Leigh St Mary’s Primary School, we are committed to nurturing confident and proficient mathematicians. Our vision for mathematics education is centered on empowering every pupil to approach mathematical concepts with skill and assurance. Through a comprehensive, balanced and engaging curriculum, we foster a curiosity towards mathematics that extends beyond the classroom. We firmly believe that mathematics is an indispensable part of a pupil’s’ learning journey, serving as a cornerstone for understanding the world around them. By developing their ability to calculate, reason and solve problems, our pupils gain invaluable skills that transcend academic boundaries.

Driven by our passion for mathematics, we are dedicated to crafting a dynamic and creative curriculum that caters to the diverse needs of all learners. With unwavering high expectations for all, we ensure that each pupil is challenged at their own ability level, fostering a culture of continuous growth and achievement. Together, as a community of educators and learners, we strive to instil a lifelong appreciation for mathematics and equip our pupils with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We understand that there are essential characteristics that mathematicians demonstrate. The intent of the maths curriculum from Early Years to Year 6 is to build these characteristics within our pupils.

The essential characteristics of mathematicians are:

• An understanding of the important concepts and an ability to make connections within mathematics.  
• A broad range of skills in using and applying mathematics.
• Fluent knowledge and recall of number facts and the number system.
• The ability to show initiative in solving problems in a wide range of contexts, including the new and unusual.
• The ability to think independently and to persevere when faced with challenges, showing a confidence of success.  
• The ability to embrace the value of learning from mistakes and false starts.
• The ability to reason, generalise and make sense of solutions.
• Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques.
• A wide range of mathematical vocabulary.
• A commitment to and passion for the subject.

(The Essentials Curriculum, Chris Quigley Education)

Mathematics – Implementation Statement

At Leigh St Mary’s we use White Rose Education as our mathematics scheme of work. We became part of the Maths Hub consortia in 2023 and this supports maths teaching in all aspects. This is an ongoing commitment for the next four years. Our vision for mathematics education is centred on empowering every pupil to approach mathematical concepts with skill and assurance. Through a comprehensive, balanced and engaging curriculum, we foster a curiosity towards mathematics that extends beyond the classroom.

The mathematics progression of skills map is designed with five strands that run throughout, introduced at various year groups according to the National Curriculum expectations. These are:

• Number; place value, four operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and algebra
• Measurement; length, height, volume, money, time, mass and capacity, perimeter and area
• Geometry; position and direction, shape, angles

The White Rose Education mathematics is sequential, allowing children to build their skills and knowledge, applying them to a range of mathematical questions. Pupils are taught using concrete resources and manipulatives, pictorial examples and then abstract questions and calculations (CPA approach),

Mathematical skills are embedded and consolidated using a variety of mastery questions and problems:

• Fluency
• Reasoning
• Problem-solving

Assessments are carried out in a formative way during mathematical lessons and interventions, via weekly arithmetic tests and termly summative, formal assessments.