INTENT
At Smallthorne Primary Academy, mathematics is a fundamental part of our curriculum and equips pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and engage with the world around them. We aim to develop confident, resilient and curious mathematicians who enjoy exploring numbers, patterns and relationships.
Our mathematics curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils develop secure understanding of number, calculation, reasoning and problem solving, enabling them to apply mathematical knowledge in a wide range of contexts. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils build a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and develop the ability to think logically and systematically.
We believe mathematics should be accessible to all learners and that every pupil can succeed through high-quality teaching, clear explanations and opportunities to practise and apply new knowledge.
Our mathematics curriculum ensures pupils:
• Develop secure knowledge of number, place value and the four operations
• Build fluency in fundamental mathematical concepts
• Apply mathematical reasoning to explain and justify thinking
• Solve increasingly complex problems using a range of strategies
• Develop confidence in recalling key number facts, including times tables
• Use mathematical vocabulary accurately to explain their understanding
• Apply mathematical skills across the wider curriculum and real-life contexts
Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum for Mathematics and is designed to ensure pupils build conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency.
Character & Arts Alignment
Mathematics supports the wider aims of the Smallthorne Character & Arts curriculum by encouraging curiosity, perseverance and logical thinking.
Mathematics contributes to the Character & Arts strands by enabling pupils to:
• Heritage – understand how mathematics has shaped scientific discovery and technological advancement
• History – explore how mathematical ideas have developed across cultures and civilisations
• Performing & Expressive Arts – recognise patterns, symmetry and structure within art, music and design
• Sustainability – interpret data and understand real-world issues such as environmental change
• Enterprise – develop problem-solving and analytical skills that support future careers and innovation
Through mathematics, pupils learn to approach challenges with confidence, resilience and curiosity.
IMPLEMENTATION
Our mathematics curriculum is delivered through a carefully structured programme using Power Maths, which is closely aligned with the White Rose Maths framework. This ensures clear progression and consistency in the teaching of mathematics from Reception through to Year 6.
Curriculum Structure
Learning is sequenced to develop secure understanding across the key areas of mathematics:
• number and place value
• addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• fractions, decimals and percentages
• measurement and geometry
• statistics and data handling
Pupils revisit concepts regularly so that knowledge is strengthened and connections between mathematical ideas become clearer.
Teaching Approach
Lessons follow the structured Power Maths approach:
Discover
Children explore a mathematical problem or concept.
Share
Ideas are discussed and misconceptions addressed.
Think Together
The class works collaboratively to deepen understanding.
Practice
Pupils apply new learning through guided and independent practice.
Reflect
Children review their learning and explain their reasoning.
This structure ensures that pupils develop both conceptual understanding and mathematical fluency.
Mathematical Mastery
Teaching follows a mastery approach, ensuring pupils develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
Key features include:
• use of concrete manipulatives, pictorial representations and abstract methods
• carefully sequenced steps that build understanding gradually
• opportunities for reasoning and mathematical discussion
• challenge tasks that deepen understanding
This approach ensures pupils develop strong conceptual foundations.
Fluency and Times Tables
Fluency in key number facts is prioritised.
Pupils develop rapid recall of:
• number bonds in Key Stage 1
• multiplication tables in Key Stage 2
Digital platforms such as Times Tables Rock Stars support pupils in practising multiplication facts in preparation for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.
Mathematical Language
Pupils are encouraged to explain their thinking using accurate mathematical vocabulary.
Teachers introduce key vocabulary within lessons and support pupils to articulate mathematical reasoning through structured discussion and collaborative learning.
Assessment and Monitoring
Assessment is used to monitor pupil understanding and inform teaching.
This includes:
• end-of-unit assessments
• half-termly assessments
• ongoing teacher assessment during lessons
Assessment outcomes help teachers identify gaps in learning and provide targeted support where needed.
Cross-Curricular Learning
Mathematics is applied across the wider curriculum.
Examples include:
• data analysis in Science
• timelines and chronology in History
• measurement and scale in Geography
• pattern and symmetry in Art
These connections help pupils understand the relevance of mathematics in real-world contexts.
IMPACT
By the time pupils leave Smallthorne Primary Academy, they will:
• demonstrate secure knowledge of key mathematical concepts
• solve problems using a range of strategies
• explain their reasoning clearly using mathematical vocabulary
• apply mathematical skills confidently in different contexts
• recall key number facts quickly and accurately
• show resilience and curiosity when tackling mathematical challenges
Measuring Impact
The impact of the mathematics curriculum is evaluated through:
• pupil progress in assessments
• curriculum monitoring and book scrutiny
• pupil voice demonstrating confidence and enjoyment
• outcomes in national assessments including KS2 SATs and the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
Through this approach, pupils develop the knowledge, confidence and problem-solving skills required to succeed in mathematics and to apply these skills in everyday life.