Maths

Intent

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

At Longthorpe Primary Academy, we believe that all children can achieve in mathematics, and develop a deep, long-lasting understanding of key concepts. We have chosen to use the White Rose Maths programme as the foundation of our mathematics curriculum because of its strong pedagogical approach, which is rooted in mastery principles. This programme also aligns closely with the expectations of the National Curriculum and provides a clear, progressive structure that ensures all pupils develop fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills in a way that is accessible and engaging. Ultimately, our aim is to:

Develop confident, resilient, and curious mathematicians who see maths as an interconnected subject that applies to real-life situations.
Ensure that all pupils secure a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts before moving on to new content.
Embed fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills into every lesson, ensuring children develop the ability to apply their knowledge flexibly.
Provide a coherent, cumulative curriculum that follows a carefully structured sequence of learning, preventing gaps in knowledge.
Foster a growth mindset in mathematics, ensuring that all pupils believe in their ability to succeed and view mistakes as learning opportunities.
Ensure that all children, regardless of background or ability, develop a strong foundation in mathematics that prepares them for the next stages of their education and beyond.

IMPLEMENTATION

The White Rose Maths programme follows a ‘small-steps’ approach to teaching and learning. This ensures that knowledge is broken down into manageable chunks, allowing pupils to develop deep understanding before progressing. The programme is designed around the principles of teaching for ‘mastery’, influenced by research from organisations such as the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) and international education systems such as Shanghai and Singapore Maths.

Key features of our curriculum include:

Daily maths lessons following the White Rose Maths framework, ensuring a clear progression of knowledge and skills.
A concrete-pictorial-abstract (CPA) approach, where children first explore concepts using physical manipulatives, then pictorial representations, and finally abstract notation. This approach ensures a deep and secure understanding.
Fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving tasks embedded in every lesson to encourage children to apply their mathematical knowledge in different contexts.
Opportunities for all learners, including carefully planned scaffolding for those who need additional support and challenge for those who grasp concepts quickly.
Regular retrieval practice and formative assessment, ensuring that key knowledge is retained and misconceptions are addressed promptly.
A focus on mathematical vocabulary, ensuring that children can articulate their reasoning clearly and confidently.
Cross-curricular links, where appropriate, to demonstrate the relevance of mathematics in other subjects and real-life applications.

Key Documents

Entire Maths View Curriculum - PDF Version

To find out more about our curriculum please contact the school office.