At St. Joseph’s, we have designed a broad, balanced and progressive Mathematics curriculum which enables all pupils to become confident, fluent and resilient mathematicians.
Our intent is to ensure that all pupils:
- Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, developing secure conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately
- Reason mathematically, using correct mathematical language to develop arguments, justifications and proofs
- Solve problems by applying their mathematical knowledge to a wide range of contexts with increasing sophistication
- Understand how mathematics is used in the real world and future careers, recognising its relevance beyond the classroom
Mathematics is taught as an interconnected subject, where pupils move fluently between different representations and make rich connections across mathematical ideas. This supports the development of fluency, reasoning and problem solving, while building confidence, resilience and perseverance.
Implementation
At St. Joseph’s, Mathematics is taught through daily lessons using a mastery approach. Mastery in mathematics means pupils develop a deep, secure and adaptable understanding of mathematical concepts, which they can apply confidently in a range of contexts.
Our approach to mastery is underpinned by the five big ideas:
- Representation and Structure
- Mathematical Thinking
- Fluency
- Variation
- Coherence
Teaching Approach and Curriculum Design
Mastering Number (EYFS and Key Stage 1) and White Rose Maths schemes are used as the basis for teaching. They provide a clear progression of skills across all areas of mathematics and support pupils in developing strong number sense, reasoning and problem solving skills.
Key features include:
- Small, carefully sequenced steps that build on prior learning
- Use of concrete, pictorial and abstract (CPA) representations
- Opportunities to make connections between concepts and contexts
- High expectations for all pupils, with appropriate support and challenge
Lessons typically include:
- Opportunities to develop arithmetic fluency, including number bonds, times tables and written calculations
- Retrieval and review of previous learning to strengthen long term memory
- Explicit teaching and revisiting of mathematical vocabulary
- Introduction of new concepts that encourage pupils to ask “why?” and “why not?”
- Opportunities to reason mathematically and explain thinking
Most pupils progress through lessons at the same pace, with differentiation provided through targeted support and challenge where needed.
Assessment and Intervention
Assessment in Mathematics is ongoing and purposeful:
- Formative assessment takes place daily within lessons to inform teaching
- End of term summative assessments provide an overview of progress and attainment
- Outcomes are used to inform future planning and targeted interventions
- Arithmetic and reasoning are assessed using GAPS tests three times per year
Mathematics and Careers
Explicit teaching of career links is embedded within Mathematics units.
Pupils are taught how mathematical skills are used in a wide range of real world contexts and careers, helping them understand the purpose of their learning. Careers explored may include:
- Engineers and architects
- Scientists and researchers
- Accountants and economists
- Computer programmers and data analysts
- Surveyors and statisticians
These links help pupils see mathematics as a valuable and transferable skill, raise aspirations and support preparation for future education and employment.
Impact
By the time pupils leave St. Joseph’s, they will:
- Be happy, confident and resilient mathematicians
- Have secure understanding of key mathematical concepts
- Demonstrate fluency, reasoning and problem solving skills
- Use mathematical vocabulary accurately and confidently
- Understand how mathematics connects to real life situations and future careers
The impact of our Mathematics curriculum is measured through:
- Monitoring of pupil outcomes and progress
- Deep dives, including pupil voice, book scrutiny and lesson observations
- Assessment of arithmetic and reasoning skills
- Moderation and professional dialogue between staff
- Tracking progress year on year to ensure pupils remain on track from their starting points
- Ongoing review by the Mathematics lead to identify next steps and drive improvement
Pupils leave St. Joseph’s well prepared for the next stage of their education, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in mathematics and beyond.