Mathematics

Intent

Here at Downton, we aim to deliver an inspiring and engaging mathematics curriculum which enables children to be empowered, articulate and informed mathematicians. By fostering an environment where students are informed about mathematical principles, articulate in their understanding, and empowered to use their skills with confidence, we prepare our students not only for academic success but for lifelong numeracy and problem-solving abilities.

We are following the National Curriculum for Mathematics, which aims to ensure that all pupils:

Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and recall and apply knowledge
Reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and using mathematical language
Can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems

Implementation

Informed
At Downton, each child has a daily maths lesson. EYFS plan using Mastering Number and Year 1 – Year 6 plan maths using the White Rose scheme of work and is supplemented with NCETM and I see Reasoning/Problem solving. White Rose teaches children mathematical concepts through practical, pictorial and written methods to develop a deep understanding, confidence and competence in Maths and improve fluency. Fluency in Maths is about developing number sense and being able to choose and use the most appropriate method for the task at hand and be able to apply a skill to multiple contexts.

In addition to our daily maths lesson, KS1-Year 4 participate in a Mastering number session. The aim of these sessions is to develop strong number sense, fluency, and confidence in basic arithmetic. These sessions focus on deepening understanding of number relationships, improving recall of key facts, and enhancing problem-solving skills through engaging, hands-on activities. By regularly reinforcing these concepts, children build a solid mathematical foundation, enabling them to tackle more complex mathematical ideas with ease.

In Year 3-4, we implement a rigorous system for teaching multiplication facts to ensure that children develop fluency, accuracy, and confidence in their recall. This includes daily practice through interactive activities, games, and targeted exercises that reinforce understanding. We use a combination of chanting, timed challenges, and visual representations such as arrays and number grids to support different learning styles. Regular assessments help track progress and identify areas that need further reinforcement. By embedding multiplication skills into a variety of mathematical contexts, we aim to equip pupils with the essential foundations for problem-solving and more advanced mathematical concepts in later years.

Articulate
We believe that developing mathematical language is key to deep understanding. Students are explicitly introduced to new vocabulary at the start of each topic, ensuring they can use precise mathematical terms when explaining their thinking. Teachers provide sentence stems to guide students in framing their explanations, helping them articulate concepts such as reasoning, comparisons, and problem-solving steps. For example, sentence stems like "I noticed that...", "This is because...", and "Another way to solve this is..." enable students to discuss methods and reason through problems with clarity. Through collaborative learning and structured discussions, students learn to express their ideas confidently, listen to others, and make connections between mathematical concepts and real-world contexts. This focus on vocabulary and structured language strengthens students' understanding and builds their ability to convey mathematical ideas accurately and confidently.

Empowered
We aim to empower students to approach mathematics with confidence and curiosity. By providing a safe and supportive environment where students can take risks, explore patterns, and solve challenging problems, we help them build resilience and a growth mindset. Through a focus on problem-solving and reasoning, students become empowered learners, capable of using mathematics to make informed decisions and solve real-life challenges.

Impact

We measure the impact of our curriculum through a combination of formative and summative assessments, pupil voice, and regular book looks. Our pupils consistently achieve high standards in maths, with a significant proportion exceeding national expectations in their SATs results. Internal assessments also demonstrate sustained progress from their starting points. Additionally, our Multiplication Check results are above the national average, further reflecting the strength of our maths provision.

HOW COULD I HELP MY CHILD?

It can be tricky to know how to help your child without confusing them further; maths today may not be what you remember from your own school days. To help we have attached our calculation policy as a guide to how these are developed at Downton. Please use this as a manual when helping your child with their home learning. Below, you can also find website links that you may find to be useful tools to support your child further. You will also find our ‘Maths Talk’ posters that show how you can introduce Maths talk into your everyday life. If you have any further questions, don't be afraid to come and ask!

Downton Primary School Calculation Policy

EYFS:

https://nrich.maths.org/primary

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5-7-years/counting

https://uk.ixl.com/

KS1:

https://nrich.maths.org/primary

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zjxhfg8

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5-7-years/counting

https://uk.ixl.com/

LKS2:

https://nrich.maths.org/primary