Shirehampton Mathematics
At Shirehampton Primary School, we believe that all children can succeed in mathematics.
We want children to develop secure mathematical knowledge alongside the confidence to explore ideas, make connections, solve problems and explain their thinking. Our aim is for children to develop a positive attitude towards mathematics and the skills they need to use maths confidently both in school and in everyday life.
We teach mathematics through a mastery approach, giving children time to develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts rather than simply learning procedures.
Our Vision for Mathematics
We want our children to become confident, resilient and enthusiastic mathematicians.
Our curriculum is designed to develop:
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Secure knowledge of key mathematical facts
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Fluency and accuracy
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Strong number sense
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Mathematical vocabulary
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Reasoning and problem-solving skills
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The ability to make connections between mathematical ideas
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Confidence to explain and justify mathematical thinking
We believe children should learn deeper, not simply further, developing secure knowledge that they can retain, apply and build upon as they progress through school.
What Children Learn
Mathematical learning begins in the Early Years, where children develop strong foundations in number, numerical patterns, shape, space and measure through a combination of direct teaching, practical experiences, play and everyday routines.
In Reception, our current handbook identifies NCETM Mastering Number for number alongside White Rose Maths for shape, space and measure.
From Year 1 onwards, children progressively develop their knowledge and understanding across the mathematics curriculum, including:
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Number and place value
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Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
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Fractions, decimals and percentages
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Measurement
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Geometry
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Statistics
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Ratio and proportion
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Algebra
Children regularly revisit previous learning and make connections between new concepts and the mathematical knowledge they have already developed.
How We Teach Mathematics
From Years 1–6, we use Maths — No Problem! as the core scheme used to support our mastery approach.
Children are encouraged to explore mathematical ideas before moving towards increasingly independent application.
A key part of our approach is Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) learning.
Concrete – children use practical resources and manipulatives to explore mathematical concepts.
Pictorial – children use pictures, diagrams and models to represent their understanding.
Abstract – children use numbers, symbols and mathematical notation once they have developed a secure conceptual understanding.
We also use representations such as bar models to help children visualise mathematical relationships and solve problems.
Fluency, Reasoning & Problem Solving
Our mathematics curriculum develops three important and interconnected areas: fluency, reasoning and problem solving.
Children develop fluency by building secure knowledge of number facts and efficient calculation strategies.
They are encouraged to reason mathematically by explaining their ideas, spotting patterns, making connections and using mathematical vocabulary.
Problem solving gives children opportunities to apply their knowledge in familiar and unfamiliar situations, choose appropriate strategies and persevere when an answer is not immediately obvious.
Children are encouraged to explain, represent and justify their thinking in different ways, helping them develop a deeper understanding of mathematics.
Multiplication & Times Tables
Developing secure multiplication and division knowledge is an important part of our mathematics curriculum.
Children build their understanding progressively, beginning with counting, number patterns, grouping and sharing before developing increasingly fluent recall of multiplication and division facts.
Our approach combines conceptual understanding with regular practice, so children understand what multiplication and division facts represent as well as developing increasingly rapid recall.
By the end of Year 4, children work towards fluent recall of multiplication and division facts up to 12 × 12.
Times Tables Rock Stars
We use Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) to provide children with additional opportunities to practise and consolidate multiplication facts they have already been taught.
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Children use their individual login details to access Times Tables Rock Stars. Please contact your child's class teacher if you need support accessing their account.
Numbots
NumBots provides children with opportunities to practise key number facts and develop fluency in addition and subtraction.
Children can access NumBots using their individual login details.
Supporting All Learners
We want every child to experience success in mathematics.
Teachers regularly assess children's understanding and adapt teaching to meet individual needs. This may include additional modelling, practical resources, visual representations, pre-teaching, targeted practice or additional adult support.
Our approach is based on “keep up, not catch up”, identifying misconceptions and gaps in understanding and providing support so that children can develop secure mathematical foundations while continuing to access an ambitious curriculum. This principle is explicit in your handbook.
▼ Mathematics Curriculum & Progression
Our curriculum documents provide further information about what children learn and how mathematical knowledge and skills develop from Reception to Year 6.
📄 Mathematics Curriculum Overview – Reception to Year 6
📄 Mathematics Progression Document