Maths

Our Vision for Maths at St Mary’s

At St Mary’s, we believe Maths is more than just numbers - it is a language for exploring patterns, solving problems and making sense of the world around us. We want every child to feel confident and curious, to see challenge as an opportunity and to experience the excitement that comes from finding solutions. Through step-by-step progression, hands-on exploration and opportunities to reason and explain, our children develop fluency, resilience and a positive attitude towards Maths that will equip them for future learning and success.

 

Our Maths Curriculum

At St Mary’s, we believe every child can enjoy and achieve in Maths. Our curriculum is carefully designed to help children develop confidence, fluency and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts from an early age.

 

Power Maths and the Mastery Approach

We teach Maths daily across all year groups using the White Rose Power Maths scheme, which follows a Mastery approach. This allows children to explore concepts in depth, build their skills step by step and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

Our Maths teaching focuses on:

  • Developing strong foundations in number, place value and calculation.
  • Building confidence in using mathematical language and methods.
  • Encouraging problem-solving and reasoning skills.
  • Ensuring concepts are secure before moving on to more advanced ideas.

Lessons include:

  • Visual models and representations.
  • Small step progression to secure understanding.
  • Discussion opportunities to explain and reason.
  • Problem-solving activities that challenge and stretch learners.

The Mastery approach ensures all children have time to fully understand a concept before moving on, building a secure foundation for future learning.

 

Maths by Year Group

Early Years

In Early Years, children begin their mathematical journey through practical, play-based learning that helps them build number sense and confidence.

Key learning includes:

  • Counting, recognising and ordering numbers.
  • Understanding more/less, addition and subtraction using real objects.
  • Exploring shapes, patterns, time, and simple measurements.
  • Using number lines, counting resources, and hands-on activities to build understanding.
  • Learning through games, songs and everyday routines.

All learning is supported through meaningful contexts and linked closely with children’s experiences and interests.

 

Key Stage 1

Year 1

In Year 1, children begin to use more simple written and pictorial methods while continuing to use concrete resources to support their thinking.

Key learning includes:

  • Building fluency in counting forwards and backwards.
  • Understanding place value in two-digit numbers.
  • Learning the basics of addition and subtraction with number bonds.
  • Beginning multiplication and division using equal groups.
  • Measuring length, height, weight, time, and money.
  • Recognising and naming 2D and 3D shapes.

Children are encouraged to talk about their methods and explain their thinking using correct mathematical vocabulary.

Year 2

By Year 2, children begin to use more formal written methods alongside practical tools. Mental Maths is a key focus, helping children recall number facts quickly and efficiently.

Key learning includes:

  • Securing place value in two-digit numbers.
  • Using written and mental methods for the four operations.
  • Solving word problems using known strategies.
  • Exploring fractions, money, time and data handling.
  • Developing reasoning skills and explaining their thinking clearly.
  • Using arrays, number lines and bar models to support problem-solving.

Children continue to use a mix of concrete, pictorial and abstract methods to deepen understanding and build confidence.

 

Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving

Alongside developing fluency with number facts and calculation, children regularly take part in reasoning and problem-solving activities.

They are encouraged to:

  • Try different methods.
  • Explain their strategies.
  • Use mathematical vocabulary.
  • Justify their answers.

These activities help children become confident, independent thinkers who can apply Maths in real-world situations.

 

Our Commitment to Maths

At St Mary’s, we are committed to delivering a Maths curriculum that is rich, inclusive and enjoyable for all. Our aim is to help every child leave Key Stage 1 with strong number fluency, problem-solving skills and a positive attitude towards Maths that will support them throughout their education and beyond.