Mathematics at St Mary’s RC Primary School
At St Mary’s RC Primary School, we believe that all children can succeed in mathematics. Our aim is to develop confident, curious and resilient mathematicians who enjoy problem solving, can reason clearly and apply their skills to real-life situations.
Mathematics is taught as a core subject every day and is an important part of our school curriculum, supporting children to develop essential life skills alongside a deep understanding of number.
Our Vision for Maths
Our mathematics curriculum is rich, balanced and progressive. We place a strong emphasis on developing children’s fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills so they gain a deep and lasting understanding of mathematical concepts.
We follow a Mastery approach, which means that children spend longer exploring key concepts in depth, using practical resources, visual models and mathematical language to secure understanding before moving on.
How Maths Is Taught at St Mary’s
Maths is taught daily in every class across school.
We follow the White Rose Maths scheme of learning, supported by resources from NCETM and Maths Shed.
Lessons include opportunities for children to practise skills, explain their thinking, and solve problems.
Teachers model methods clearly using accurate mathematical language.
Same-day intervention is provided where needed to address misconceptions quickly.
Calculation Methods
We follow a clear, consistent calculation policy for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Children are taught a progression of methods using concrete resources (such as counters), pictorial representations (such as bar models) and abstract methods (written calculations).
This consistency helps children build confidence and allows parents to support learning at home using familiar strategies.
Supporting and Challenging All Learners
We are committed to providing an inclusive maths curriculum where all children are supported and challenged to succeed, regardless of starting point.
Children who need additional support may receive small-group or individual maths interventions to help address gaps, build confidence and secure key skills.
Interventions are not only used for children working below the expected standard; they are also used to accelerate learning and support pupils working towards greater depth.
Same-day intervention ensures misconceptions are addressed quickly, helping children keep up with daily learning.
Teachers carefully use assessment to plan support and challenge so that every child can make strong progress in maths.
Enriching Maths at St Mary’s
We are proud to offer a range of opportunities that promote a love of maths:
Maths Ambassadors: Pupils take on leadership roles, helping to promote maths across school.
Problem of the Week: Every child has the opportunity to take part in a weekly maths challenge. Certificates are awarded in Friday Celebration Assembly.
Subject monitors: There are pupil subject monitors in each of our nine classes. Pupils regularly share their learning, discuss ideas and take part in pupil voice to better our Mathematics offer at St Mary's.
NSPCC Number Day: We take part annually in this exciting national event, enjoying a fun-filled day of maths activities while raising money for charity.
Celebrating Success: We regularly celebrate effort, resilience and achievement in maths, helping children build confidence and a positive attitude towards the subject.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
We value the important role parents and carers play in supporting maths learning.
All children have access to Times Tables Rock Stars, with their own individual logins helping them practise multiplication and division facts in a fun and engaging way.
Children in Year 6 receive weekly maths homework to consolidate learning from class and support them towards their SATs examinations and transition to high school.
Regular practice of times tables and mental maths at home makes a huge difference to children’s confidence. Here are some other websites which you may choose to use at home to support your child’s progression in Maths:
1. White Rose Maths (Home Learning)
Provides free week-by-week lessons with videos and activities linked to the UK curriculum. Excellent for homework or extra practice.
2. NRICH (University of Cambridge)
High-quality maths challenges and problems to develop reasoning and problem-solving skills. Many activities are labelled by age and topic.
3. BBC Bitesize
Clear videos, explanations and practice on key Primary maths topics (Number, Fractions, Measurement, Geometry, etc.), aligned with the UK curriculum.
4. Topmarks
A huge range of maths games covering number, place value, times tables and more. Very child-friendly and easy to filter by age.
5. Math Playground
Interactive games that build fluency and strategic thinking through puzzles and practice (good for Years 4–6).
6. Times Tables Rock Stars
School-favourite times table platform. Your child has their own individual login.
7. Hit the Button
Fast-paced game for number bonds, times tables, doubling, halving and more. Quick rounds support mental fluency.
8. Maths is fun
Clear explanations and examples for maths topics along with puzzles, worksheets and practical activities.
You can support your child by:
Encouraging regular practice
Talking positively about maths and problem solving
Asking your child to explain how they worked something out
Using everyday maths (shopping, cooking, telling the time)
If you ever have questions about how maths is taught, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Maths Subject Leader: Mrs L Lomberg
We are proud of the strong maths culture at St Mary’s and look forward to continuing to inspire confident mathematicians.
