Maths
“Mathematics is, in its own way, the poetry of logical ideas.” Albert Einstein
Intent
At St Agnes, we are committed to providing all of our pupils with a high-quality mathematics education that equips them with the essential skills and knowledge they need for future success.
Our intent is to foster a love of mathematics where children see themselves as confident mathematicians who can reason, problem-solve, and apply their learning across the curriculum and in real-life contexts.
We believe that every child can achieve in mathematics, and our curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have SEND, build secure foundations in number, calculation, and mathematical reasoning.
Through our mathematics curriculum, we aim to:
Develop deep, sustainable understanding of mathematical concepts through a mastery approach
Enable children to articulate their thinking clearly and engage in rich and accurate mathematical dialogue
Ensure children experience challenge and develop resilience when tackling complex problems
Build fluency in number facts and calculation methods that will serve them throughout their education and beyond
Help children understand the value and relevance of mathematics in their daily lives and future aspirations
Our ultimate aim is that children leave St Agnes as numerate, confident individuals, fully prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
Implementation
We use the Ark My Mastery scheme to deliver a mastery approach that ensures all children develop a deep, sustainable understanding of mathematical concepts.
Teaching for mastery:
Our carefully sequenced curriculum follows the principles of teaching for mastery, which means:
Teaching mastery is about achieving deep, secure learning for all pupils
We prioritise depth over breadth, ensuring children master each concept before progressing
We extend the learning of able students by teaching more things on the same topic, rather than accelerating their learning by rapidly moving on to new content
The CPA approach:
Our teaching emphasises the CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) method, which allows children to:
Develop conceptual understanding through hands-on experiences with manipulatives (concrete)
Move to pictorial representations
Progress to abstract calculations
This approach ensures children build secure conceptual understanding at each stage.
Daily mathematics lessons:
Through our daily maths lessons:
Children receive direct, high-quality teaching
Mathematical language and vocabulary is developed across all year groups
Children engage in 'intelligent practice' that helps them apply skills and knowledge
Pupils experience appropriate challenge and build resilience
Same-day intervention:
We aim to provide same-day intervention to support those who need additional practice, ensuring children keep up rather than having to catch up later.
Inclusion:
Our curriculum ensures that:
All pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have SEND, can access the same ambitious curriculum
Teaching is adapted to meet individual needs whilst maintaining high expectations for all
Every child can build secure foundations in number, calculation, and mathematical reasoning
Impact
Through our mathematics curriculum, pupils at St Agnes will:
Leave our school as numerate, confident individuals
Have deep, sustainable understanding of mathematical concepts
See themselves as confident mathematicians who can reason and problem-solve
Be able to apply their mathematical learning across the curriculum and in real-life contexts
Have secure foundations in number, calculation, and mathematical reasoning
Articulate their mathematical thinking clearly and engage in rich mathematical dialogue
Have fluency in number facts and calculation methods
Demonstrate resilience when tackling complex mathematical problems
Understand the value and relevance of mathematics in their daily lives and future aspirations
Be fully prepared for the next stage of their educational journey
Have experienced a curriculum where depth of understanding was prioritised over rushing through content