| Mathematics |
Mathematics at Shiney Row Primary School
At Shiney Row Primary School, we believe that mathematics is a vital life skill which helps children make sense of the world, solve problems, and develop logical and creative thinking. Our aim is for all pupils to develop a secure understanding of number, strong mathematical vocabulary, and a positive, resilient attitude towards maths.
We are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their starting point, achieves well in mathematics and leaves primary school as a confident, capable mathematician, ready for the next stage of their education.
Our Maths Curriculum
Our mathematics curriculum is carefully sequenced and progressive, ensuring that new learning builds on what pupils already know. Teaching focuses on developing:
- Fluency in key facts and procedures
- Reasoning through explanation, discussion, and justification
- Problem solving so pupils can apply mathematics in a range of contexts
We want children to:
- Use accurate mathematical language to explain their thinking
- Make meaningful connections across mathematical ideas
- Apply their maths confidently in other subjects, such as science
- Understand that mistakes are a valuable part of learning
- Recognise how maths is used in everyday life
Teaching for Mastery
Mathematics at Shiney Row Primary School is taught using a mastery approach, supported by the White Rose Maths scheme and the NCETM Big 5 ideas. This approach ensures consistency, depth, and high expectations for all learners.
A mastery approach means that:
- Learning is broken down into small, carefully planned steps
- Children develop deep understanding before moving on
- Challenge is provided through depth of thinking, not acceleration
- Pupils learn together, with support and challenge built into lessons
A variety of representations are used throughout the school to support understanding and reasoning.
The NCETM Big 5 Ideas
Mathematics in the Early Years
Mathematical learning begins in the early years through practical, play-based experiences that develop early number sense, pattern, shape and mathematical language. Children explore maths through songs, stories, games, routines and real-life experiences.
- Children develop early number understanding through counting, comparison, pattern, shape, and measures
- Opportunities for subitising are introduced when children are ready
- Mathematical talk is encouraged through both child-led and adult-led activities
- Learning is motivating, engaging, and closely linked to children’s interests and everyday experiences
These early experiences prepare children well for the transition into Key Stage 1.
Mathematics in Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children build on their early understanding of number and begin to develop greater fluency and confidence.
Children:
- Follow a mastery approach in daily maths lessons
- Use a wide range of practical resources and visual models
- Develop mathematical vocabulary and begin to explain their thinking
- Have regular opportunities to revisit prior learning to support memory
Support and challenge are carefully planned so that all children can succeed.
Mathematics in Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, children continue to deepen their understanding of number, place value, and the four operations. As fluency develops, pupils are taught to apply their knowledge to increasingly complex problems and a wider range of mathematical concepts.
Across Key Stage 2:
- Daily maths lessons continue to follow the mastery approach
- Children use a range of representations to support reasoning and understanding
- Sentence stems and structured talk support explanation and justification
- Regular opportunities are provided to revisit and practise key knowledge
- Children develop confidence with formal written methods, mental strategies and problem solving
By the end of Year 6, pupils are confident working with larger numbers and more complex concepts, including fractions, percentages, ratio, and algebra, and can apply their learning independently.
Mathematical Discussion
Talking about mathematics helps children deepen their understanding. Pupils are encouraged to explain their thinking, justify their answers and discuss different strategies with their peers.
Fluency, Recall, and Practice
Throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children have regular opportunities to practise and secure key skills using programmes including Times Table Rockstars and Numbots. These platforms support rapid recall and help children build confidence, both in school and at home.
Inclusion and Support
We believe that all children can succeed in mathematics. Lessons are designed to be inclusive, with appropriate scaffolding, practical resources and targeted support where needed. High expectations are maintained for all pupils, with support provided to strengthen understanding and secure key foundations.
Our Aim
By the time children leave Shiney Row Primary School, they will:
- Have secure mathematical foundations
- Be fluent, confident, and accurate in their calculations
- Reason mathematically and explain their thinking clearly
- Solve problems with resilience and independence
- Have a positive attitude towards maths and its role in everyday life
Development matters and national curriculum pages
Development matters and national curriculum Early Years
Development matters and national curriculum Year 1
Development matters and national curriculum Year 2
Development matters and national curriculum Year 3
Development matters and national curriculum Year 4