Mathematics

Mathematics at Lapage Primary School

At Lapage Primary School, we are passionate about developing confident, capable mathematicians. Our Mathematics curriculum follows the White Rose scheme of work, which breaks learning into carefully planned small steps. This ensures all pupils develop a deep understanding of key concepts and can confidently apply their knowledge in a range of contexts.

We use a Teaching for Mastery approach. This means we focus on helping children truly understand mathematical ideas—not just remember procedures—so they can make connections, reason clearly, and solve problems effectively.

Our lessons are built around the three key aims of the National Curriculum: fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving. Children learn using a Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach, allowing them to explore mathematical ideas through practical resources, visual representations, and formal methods.

Each day also includes a ‘Fluent in Five’ session—ten minutes of arithmetic questions designed to revisit key concepts, improve mental maths, and develop fluency.

To support learning, we use:

• Visible modelling of methods and strategies
• Targeted questioning to deepen thinking
• Mathematical vocabulary and reasoning language to help children explain their understanding
• Creative challenges that encourage problem-solving and resilience

Our Key Aims in Mathematics

• To support every child to achieve their full potential in mathematics by building the skills, knowledge, and understanding they will need both now and in later life.
• To foster a positive attitude towards mathematics, encouraging enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to explore and investigate.
• To develop confidence in mathematical thinking, including logical reasoning, problem-solving, and the use of accurate mathematical language.
• To equip pupils with a range of mental and written strategies that they can apply with speed and accuracy in different situations.
• To help children make connections across different areas of mathematics, recognising patterns and using what they know to approach new challenges.

Through a consistent, well-structured approach to teaching and learning, we aim to give all our pupils a strong foundation in mathematics—and the confidence to keep building on it.

Mastering Number

In Reception and Key Stage 1, children take part in a daily session from the NCETM Mastering Number programme. These short, focused lessons help build firm foundations in number sense—developing children’s understanding of number relationships, place value, and the composition of numbers.

Our aim is to ensure every child leaves Lapage with the mental fluency and number confidence needed to thrive in the next stage of their education—and beyond.