Maths Mastery
We believe every child can succeed in mathematics. That is why we have adopted the Maths Mastery approach, which focuses on developing a deep, secure, and adaptable understanding of mathematical concepts.
Our primary goal is to build strong mathematical foundations for every pupil. Mastery is achieved when a child can:
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Represent a concept in multiple ways (using objects, pictures, and symbols).
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Develop Fluency: Readily recall and apply knowledge accurately and efficiently.
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Employ Mathematical Thinking: Reason, analyse, and solve new, varied problems.
We ensure that every child moves forward together with confidence, preventing the development of gaps in their essential knowledge.
The approach we use is structured around five core principles, often called the "5 Big Ideas." These guide how we plan and teach every lesson:
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Coherence: Lessons are broken down into small, connected steps that logically build one upon the other, creating a clear pathway for students to see how new ideas link to prior learning.
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Representation & Structure: We use a range of tools (manipulatives, pictures, diagrams) to expose the mathematical structure of an idea. This helps children move from concrete understanding to abstract thought.
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Mathematical Thinking: This involves pupils constantly reasoning, justifying, and generalising. We encourage children to think like mathematicians by asking "How do you know?" and "Can you prove it?"
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Fluency: This is more than speed; it is the quick and effortless recall of facts and procedures, allowing children to focus their working memory on more complex problem-solving.
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Variation: This involves two types:
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Conceptual Variation: Presenting the same concept in different ways, contexts, and forms to deepen understanding.
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Procedural Variation: Changing the non-essential features of a question (e.g., numbers, context) while keeping the underlying skill the same, to highlight the core learning.
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To deliver this approach, we follow the structured and progressive planning from White Rose Education, which aligns with the National Curriculum. We further enhance this with the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) small steps guidance.
This combination ensures that:
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We use a "low threshold, high ceiling" approach: tasks are designed to be accessible for all children to begin but include challenge and complexity that can extend the learning of the most confident students.
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We champion oracy in maths, encouraging children to articulate their reasoning and explain their mathematical ideas clearly to their peers and teachers, which deepens their comprehension.
We are excited about the way this powerful combination is helping our pupils become confident, resilient, and resourceful mathematicians!