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Mathematics
Mathematics at Lapage Primary School
1. Our vision
At Lapage Primary School, we want every child to become a confident, curious and
capable mathematician. Mathematics is an essential life skill that helps children
make sense of the world, solve problems and make informed decisions in everyday
life. We aim to develop a love of mathematics, encouraging children to explore ideas,
recognise patterns, think logically and persevere when faced with challenges.
Our mathematics curriculum follows the White Rose Maths scheme of work,
supported by Grammarsaurus Maths. Both support learning through carefully
sequenced small steps, allowing children to build on prior knowledge, develop
secure foundations and progress towards increasingly challenging concepts.
We use a Teaching for Mastery approach, focusing on developing deep
understanding rather than simply memorising procedures. Children are encouraged
to explain their thinking, make connections between mathematical ideas and apply
their knowledge in different contexts.
Through the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach, children explore
mathematical concepts using practical resources, visual representations and formal
written methods. Our teaching develops the three key aims of the National
Curriculum: fluency, mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
We also use daily Fluent in Five sessions to revisit arithmetic skills and build
accuracy and confidence. In Reception and Key Stage 1, daily NCETM Mastering
Number sessions help children develop secure number sense and understand how
numbers are composed.
Our aim is for every child to leave primary school with the mathematical knowledge,
skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their education and beyond.
2. What Children Will Learn
Our mathematics curriculum progresses from Nursery through to Year 6, with
children revisiting and building upon key concepts as their understanding develops.
Learning is carefully sequenced so that children can secure essential knowledge
before applying it to more complex problems.
Number and Place Value
Children develop counting skills, recognise quantities through subitising, explore
number bonds and understand how numbers are composed. As they progress, they
learn to partition, compare and order numbers, count in multiples, round numbers,
recognise negative numbers and work with larger numbers, decimals, powers of ten
and Roman numerals.
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
Children develop mental arithmetic, recall number facts and multiplication tables, and
learn a range of calculation strategies. They progress towards formal written
methods, using inverse operations to check answers and solving missing-number
and multi-step problems. Older pupils explore factors, multiples, prime numbers,
square and cube numbers, remainders, scaling and the order of operations.
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
Children begin by exploring equal parts and simple fractions before learning to find
fractions of quantities, recognise equivalent fractions and compare and order
fractions. They progress to adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions,
simplifying fractions and understanding the relationships between fractions, decimals
and percentages.
Measurement
Children measure and compare length, height, mass, capacity, volume and
temperature. They learn to work with money, calculate change and tell the time using
analogue and digital clocks, including the 12-hour and 24-hour clock. As they
progress, they convert between units, calculate perimeter and area, explore volume
and use formulae to solve measurement problems.
Geometry: Properties of Shapes
Children identify, describe, sort and compare 2D and 3D shapes. They learn about
sides, vertices, faces, edges, symmetry, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines,
polygons, circles and nets. Older pupils investigate angle properties and calculate
unknown angles.
Geometry: Position and Direction
Children develop positional language, describe routes and turns, and explore
direction and movement. They progress to using coordinates, plotting positions,
translating and reflecting shapes, and working with four-quadrant coordinate grids.
Statistics
Children collect, organise, represent and interpret information using tally charts,
pictograms, tables, block diagrams and bar charts. As they progress, they work with
time graphs, line graphs and pie charts, compare data, solve problems using
timetables and calculate the mean.
Ratio and Proportion
In the upper primary years, children explore relationships between quantities,
scaling, percentages, ratio and proportion. They learn to solve problems involving
unequal sharing and grouping, similar shapes and scale factors.
Algebra
In Year 6, children begin to use algebraic notation, explore simple formulae and
linear sequences, solve problems involving two unknowns and investigate possible
combinations of values.
Across all areas of mathematics, children develop their ability to reason, explain their
methods, make connections and apply their learning to unfamiliar problems.
3. Mathematics in action
Mathematics at Lapage Primary School is active, practical and purposeful. Children
are encouraged to explore mathematical ideas, discuss different approaches and
explain how they know their answers are correct.
Depending on their year group and current learning, children might:
• Use counters, cubes, number lines and other practical resources to explore
number, place value and calculations.
• Represent mathematical ideas through pictures, diagrams, arrays, bar models
and other visual methods.
• Investigate number patterns, explore different ways to make a total and
explain the relationships they notice.
• Develop fluency through regular arithmetic practice and multiplication-table
recall.
• Compare different calculation strategies and explain which method is most
efficient.
• Solve real-life problems involving money, time, measurement and data.
• Measure objects, calculate perimeter and area, investigate shapes and
explore angles.
• Collect information, create graphs and interpret what the data tells them.
• Tackle reasoning and problem-solving challenges that require them to apply
their knowledge in new situations.
Children are encouraged to use mathematical vocabulary, justify their answers and
learn from mistakes. Through discussion and investigation, they develop resilience,
independence and confidence in their mathematical thinking.
Reasoning and fluency
We are committed to strengthening children's mathematical reasoning so that they
can confidently explain their thinking, justify their answers and apply their knowledge
to a range of problems. Alongside developing fluency, we want pupils to understand
why a method works, rather than simply knowing how to complete a calculation.
To improve reasoning across the school, we are focusing on the following actions:
• Mathematical talk: Encouraging children to explain their methods and use
accurate mathematical vocabulary.
• PEE bubbles: From Year 1 onwards, children use PEE bubbles to explain
their mathematical reasoning when answering problem-solving questions.
• Reasoning and problem-solving: Providing regular opportunities to solve
problems, identify mistakes and explore different strategies.
• Purposeful questioning: Using questions such as “How do you know?”, “Can
you prove it?” and “Is there another way?” to deepen understanding.
• Building independence: Encouraging children to persevere, make connections
and learn from mistakes.
4. Enrichment and Wider Opportunities
We want children to recognise that mathematics is not just something they learn in
lessons; it is an important part of everyday life.
Children have opportunities to apply mathematics in practical contexts, including
measuring, handling money, telling the time, interpreting information and solving
problems. Regular arithmetic practice and multiplication-table activities help children
build the essential skills they need for success.
Mathematical reasoning and problem-solving activities encourage pupils to think
creatively, try different approaches and explain their ideas. Where available, online
learning platforms and mathematical challenges can provide further opportunities to
practise and extend learning.
5. Supporting Mathematics at Home
Parents and carers can make a real difference by helping children see mathematics
as part of everyday life. Short, regular opportunities to practise are often more
effective than long sessions.
Here are some simple ways to support your child:
• Practise number facts: Ask your child to recall number bonds, doubles,
halves and multiplication facts.
• Use everyday situations: Involve your child in shopping, calculating change,
comparing prices, measuring ingredients or reading timetables.
• Talk about time: Ask your child to read a clock, work out how long an activity
will take or calculate the time between two events.
• Spot mathematics around you: Look for shapes, patterns, numbers and
measurements at home and when out and about.
• Ask questions: Encourage your child to explain how they worked something
out. Try questions such as “How do you know?”, “Can you find another way?”
and “Can you prove it?”
• Encourage a positive attitude: Praise effort, perseverance and trying
different strategies. Remind your child that making mistakes is part of
learning.
• Practise multiplication tables regularly: Short, enjoyable practice sessions
can help children build speed and confidence.
Please see the useful links below for websites that offer games, activities and
practice suitable for different ages and abilities.
6. Curriculum Documents and Useful Links
The following resources can help families understand the mathematics curriculum
and support learning at home.
• National Curriculum for Mathematics: The official guidance outlining what
children are expected to learn in mathematics in Key Stages 1 and 2.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-englandmathematics-programmes-of-study
• BBC Bitesize Maths: Learning activities, explanations and practice covering
a range of primary mathematics topics.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39
• Topmarks: Interactive maths games and activities for practising number,
calculations, times tables and other mathematical skills.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games
• NRICH Maths: Mathematical investigations and problem-solving activities that
encourage children to think deeply and explore different approaches.
https://nrich.maths.org/primary
• Times Tables Rock Stars: A multiplication practice platform. Children can
use their school account if access is provided by the school.
• Multiplication Tables Check Practice: A useful practice tool to help children
prepare for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.
https://www.timestables.co.uk/multiplication-tables-check/
At Lapage Primary School, we believe every child can succeed in
mathematics. Through high-quality teaching and a mastery approach, we
develop confident, resilient mathematicians who can reason, solve problems
and apply their knowledge. We aim to inspire a love of mathematics and equip
every child with the skills and confidence to succeed in school and beyond