Maths at St Michael’s CE Primary School

Intent

At St Michael’s, we strive to do our best and deliver a high-quality maths education that inspires all pupils to become confident, capable and enthusiastic mathematicians. Our intent is to equip every child with the skills and knowledge they need to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, reason mathematically, and solve problems in a variety of contexts.

We aim to:

• Develop a deep, lasting understanding of mathematical concepts through a mastery approach.

• Ensure all children are fluent in basic number facts and can recall and apply them confidently.

• Nurture mathematical thinking, encouraging children to explain, reason, and make connections.

• Provide all pupils with the opportunity to enjoy mathematics and recognise its relevance in everyday life.

• Prepare children for the next stage of their learning and life beyond primary school by building resilience and problem-solving skills.

Implementation

At St Michael’s, we follow the Power Maths scheme from Year 1 to Year 6. Power Maths is a DfE-approved mastery programme that provides a carefully sequenced, small-step progression through each topic, allowing all pupils to develop a secure understanding of key concepts. In EYFS, we use Master the Curriculum, a mastery-based scheme that supports early number development in line with the revised Early Years Framework.

Our teaching is underpinned by the principles of the mastery approach:

• Fluency: Children practise and revisit core number facts daily, including times tables, number bonds, and mental strategies.

• Variation: Tasks and representations are varied to deepen understanding and strengthen connections.

• Mathematical Thinking: Pupils are encouraged to explain their reasoning using precise mathematical language.

• Representation and Structure: Concrete and pictorial resources (e.g. place value counters, tens frames, bar models) help children understand abstract ideas.

• Coherence: Lessons are broken down into small steps so that all pupils can access and master the content.

Every lesson includes a clear learning objective, stem sentences, vocabulary development, and opportunities for discussion and challenge. Teachers assess understanding throughout each lesson to identify misconceptions and adapt teaching as necessary.

Daily fluency sessions support the automatic recall of key number facts. These are short, focused, and tailored to each year group, ensuring that fluency is embedded over time.

Impact

By the time children leave St Michael’s, they will:

• Have a secure, deep understanding of number and calculation, with the fluency to apply these skills independently.

• Be confident and resilient mathematicians who enjoy problem-solving and logical thinking.

• Use precise mathematical language to explain their thinking and justify their answers.

• Have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the next stage of their education.

• See mathematics as an essential life skill and approach it with curiosity and confidence.

Pupil progress is assessed through a combination of ongoing formative assessment, termly summative assessments, and pupil voice. Staff use these insights to inform planning, provide targeted support, and ensure all pupils make good progress in line with National Curriculum expectations.