"A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject."

National Curriculum for Mathematics, Department for Education (DfE)

Intent

At Wessex Gardens, our intent is to ensure that all pupils become confident, competent, and enthusiastic mathematicians. By the time they leave our school, we aim for all pupils to be numerate, with a deep and secure understanding of arithmetic and mathematical concepts. Our goal is for pupils to apply their mathematical knowledge and skills to other areas of the curriculum and their everyday lives. We want children to see mathematics as an interconnected subject, where skills in reasoning, problem-solving, and explaining mathematical processes are valued alongside computational fluency.

We follow the White Rose Mastery approach to teaching mathematics, which focuses on providing a deep, structured, and sequential understanding of mathematical concepts. This approach ensures that all pupils can access the content, with opportunities for in-depth learning and mastery of each topic. The national curriculum for mathematics sets out the expectations for what pupils should learn, and we ensure that our curriculum follows these guidelines while also extending beyond them to provide all pupils with the knowledge and skills needed for later life, fostering a love for maths and the confidence to use it in a variety of contexts. We believe that mathematical fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving are key to achieving success in mathematics, and that all pupils, regardless of their starting points, can achieve and excel in this subject.

Implementation

Mathematics at Wessex Gardens is taught using the White Rose Mastery approach, which ensures that every pupil develops a solid understanding of mathematical concepts through a gradual, structured, and consistent approach. This method places a strong emphasis on mastery, meaning pupils gain a deep understanding of each topic before moving on to the next one.

Key elements of our maths provision include:

• Mastery Approach: The White Rose Mastery approach focuses on teaching fewer concepts in greater depth. Pupils are given the time and support to fully understand each concept before moving on. This helps ensure that pupils do not just learn to complete tasks, but instead truly understand the underlying mathematical principles.

• Daily Lessons: Every lesson includes a mix of teacher modelling, guided practice, and independent work. Pupils practise their fluency in key mathematical operations, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The focus is on developing both speed and accuracy in basic arithmetic alongside a deeper understanding.

• Times Tables Practice: Daily times tables practice is embedded in our curriculum, with a weekly times tables test and an arithmetic test every Friday. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for improving their rapid recall of multiplication and division facts at home, using Times Tables Rock Stars to support independent learning.

• Mathematical Discussion: Pupils are given opportunities to discuss mathematical ideas, explain their reasoning, and justify their methods. This helps them develop a secure understanding of mathematical concepts and build their confidence in using the language of maths to express ideas.

• Group and Independent Work: Lessons include opportunities for group work, paired work, and individual tasks, ensuring pupils are engaged in a variety of formats that support both collaboration and independent thinking.

• Problem-Solving and Investigational Work: Pupils regularly engage in problem-solving activities where they apply their mathematical skills to new and unfamiliar contexts. They also explore mathematical concepts through investigations, which encourages them to think critically and develop strategies for tackling complex problems.

• Consolidation of Skills: Pupils continually consolidate their basic skills and routines through regular practice. This includes mental strategies, written methods, and practical activities that reinforce the core principles of mathematics.

• Use of Resources: Pupils have access to a wide range of resources, including manipulatives, number lines, and interactive tools, which support their understanding and enable them to visualise mathematical concepts.

• Support for Home Learning: We encourage pupils to develop their skills outside the classroom, particularly through regular times tables practice at home. Times Tables Rock Stars is a key tool that enables pupils to improve their fluency in a fun and engaging way.

Impact

The impact of our mathematics curriculum, delivered through the White Rose Mastery approach, is evident in the progress and attainment of our pupils. By the time they leave Wessex Gardens, pupils will:

• Have Strong Mathematical Skills: Pupils will be fluent in arithmetic and confident in their ability to solve problems and reason mathematically. They will understand and be able to apply mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts.

• Master Key Concepts: The mastery approach ensures that pupils fully understand each concept before moving on, allowing them to apply their knowledge in more complex problem-solving contexts. By the end of their primary education, pupils will have a deep and secure understanding of key mathematical principles.

• Be Confident Reasoners and Problem Solvers: Pupils will be able to explain their reasoning clearly and justify their methods. They will have developed the skills to approach problems confidently and independently, using appropriate strategies and mathematical language.

• Have a Deep Understanding of Key Concepts: Through consistent practice and problem-solving, pupils will have a strong grasp of key mathematical concepts. These will include number operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and statistics, which will form the foundation for further learning.

• Be Ready for Future Learning: Pupils will leave Wessex Gardens with the mathematical knowledge and skills they need to succeed in secondary school and beyond. They will be equipped to apply their mathematical understanding in real-world situations and to tackle more advanced concepts with confidence.

• Develop a Love of Maths: Our teaching approach aims to foster a love of maths in all pupils, ensuring that they not only have the skills required for future education but also an enthusiasm for the subject. We want all pupils to see mathematics as an enjoyable and essential part of their education.

• Be Independent Learners: Pupils will take responsibility for their learning, particularly in areas such as times tables and mental arithmetic. They will be equipped with the skills to continue developing their mathematical knowledge independently, both in and out of school.

Ultimately, the impact of our maths curriculum at Wessex Gardens will be seen in the growing confidence and competence of our pupils as they progress through school, with a secure foundation in mathematics that supports their future academic and life achievements. Through a structured, engaging, and inclusive approach to teaching maths, we ensure that all pupils can succeed and excel in this vital subject.