Mathematics

Mathematics Intent Statement

At Berkswell, we believe that every child can achieve success in mathematics. Our intent is to develop confident, resilient and enthusiastic mathematicians who have a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and can apply their knowledge fluently to solve problems and reason effectively. We aim to provide a rich, engaging and inclusive mathematics curriculum that builds strong foundational skills while fostering curiosity, independence and a positive attitude towards learning.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, we implement the Mastering Number Programme developed by the NCETM. This programme is designed to secure children's understanding of number, promote fluency, and develop confidence with the number system from an early age. Through short, daily sessions, pupils build secure knowledge of numbers, their composition, comparison and relationships, enabling them to develop strength and confidence with key number facts and mental calculation strategies.

The Mastering Number Programme supports children in developing a deep understanding of:

Counting and cardinality
Number recognition and representation
Number bonds and composition of numbers
Comparison of quantities
Subitising and pattern recognition
Early calculation skills and mathematical reasoning

In Key Stage 1, the Mastering Number programme is delivered in addition to the daily mathematics lesson as part of our commitment to developing deep, secure number sense. This additional provision supports our curriculum intent by ensuring that all children develop confidence with key number concepts, make rich mathematical connections and achieve greater automaticity with essential facts, therefore enhancing their success across the wider maths curriculum.

As pupils move into Key Stage 2, our maths curriculum builds on the knowledge and understanding developed through Mastering Number. The secure sense of number gained in EYFS and Key Stage 1 enables pupils to confidently apply and extend their understanding to larger numbers, formal written methods, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry and statistics.

Throughout Key Stage 2, we ensure that learning is carefully sequenced and that new concepts are connected to previously learned knowledge. Pupils draw upon their understanding of number relationships and place value to:

Develop fluency with the four operations.
Calculate mentally with increasing efficiency and accuracy.
Understand equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages.
Apply mathematical reasoning to explain, justify and prove their thinking using precise mathematical language.
Solve increasingly complex and multi-step problems by applying knowledge flexibly and efficiently.
Demonstrate confidence, perseverance and resilience when faced with mathematical challenges.

We are committed to ensuring that all children, including those with SEND receive the appropriate support and challenge to succeed in maths. Our teaching is inclusive and adapted to meet the diverse needs of all our learners. We provide additional support to ensure that all pupils can make progress and close any attainment gaps.

Our aim is not only for children to learn mathematics, but to become mathematicians. We encourage pupils to recognise the value of mathematics in the world around them and to develop a sense of pride in their mathematical achievements. They leave our school as confident, independent learners who are well-equipped for the challenges of secondary mathematics and prepared to apply their mathematical knowledge and skills in their future education and everyday lives.