Mathematics

Intent

Mathematics is an essential life skill that helps children make sense of the world around them.
Our aim is for every child to become a confident, fluent and independent mathematician who can think logically, reason clearly and solve problems effectively.

We want children to:

• Enjoy and feel confident about maths.

• Develop strong number skills and use them fluently.

• Explain their thinking using accurate mathematical language.

• Apply their understanding to real-life situations.

At Leopold Primary, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which provides a clear, structured progression from Early Years to Year 6. This ensures that concepts are introduced in small, manageable steps and revisited regularly to secure deep understanding.

Implementation

Maths is taught every day across the school. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge and support steady progress.

Following the White Rose Maths curriculum, each small step is introduced through concrete, pictorial and abstract representations, helping pupils understand concepts securely before moving on.

Each lesson includes opportunities to:

• Practise key number facts and mental calculations.

• Explore new mathematical ideas through practical activities and discussion.

• Apply learning to reasoning and problem-solving tasks.

• Use resources and visual models to develop conceptual understanding.

We use a wide range of manipulatives and representations, such as tens frames, number lines, place-value counters and bar models, to support understanding across the school.

Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving

Learning in maths focuses on three key areas, which are embedded throughout every unit:

Fluency

Quick and accurate recall of number facts and efficient calculation strategies.

Explaining and justifying answers using precise mathematical vocabulary.

Problem Solving

Applying mathematical knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and real-life situations.

These elements are woven through all lessons so that children develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical ideas.

Supporting All Learners

Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all learners.

• Guided practice and concrete resources help children who need more support.

• Carefully structured tasks extend understanding for pupils who grasp concepts quickly.

• Assessment for learning is used continually to identify next steps.

• Questioning and feedback move learning forward effectively.

Our aim is for all pupils to succeed in maths, regardless of their starting point.

Maths Across the Curriculum

Mathematical skills are used in many other subjects such as:

• Science – measuring, recording data, interpreting results

• Geography – reading scales, analysing population or climate graphs

• Design Technology – measuring accurately and working with shape

• Computing – logical thinking, sequencing and data handling

This helps children see the purpose of maths in everyday life and across the wider curriculum.

Impact

By the end of their primary education, children at Leopold:

• Have a secure understanding of key mathematical concepts.

• Can reason clearly and explain their thinking confidently.

• Approach problems with curiosity, resilience and independence.

• Are well prepared for the next stage of their mathematical learning.

Progress is monitored through high-quality teacher assessment, lesson outcomes and ongoing reviews of pupils’ mathematical understanding.

Supporting Maths at Home

Parents and carers can support learning by:

• Practising number bonds and times tables.

• Talking about maths in everyday activities, such as cooking, shopping and telling the time.

• Playing maths games or using recommended online tools to make learning fun.