Our vision for maths

Our aim is for all children to develop mathematical vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of key concepts, and to find connections that allow them to reason and solve problems in an abstract way.

Our maths journey

White Rose Maths is a mastery approach that breaks learning into small, carefully sequenced steps, so that every child builds a secure understanding before moving on.

A high-quality mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.The National Curriculum in England

The National Curriculum aims for pupils to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. It is our intent that all pupils:

How we teach maths

White Rose Maths provides a clear, coherent scheme of learning for each year group. Each year is organised into blocks, and each block is broken down into small steps. Complex ideas are built from simpler ones, so when children understand every step in the sequence, maths becomes transparent and makes logical sense.

1. Step 1
2. Step 2
3. Step 3
4. Step 4
5. Secure

The whole class works on the same content together, and teachers adapt their teaching so that no child is left behind. Children who grasp a concept quickly are challenged to deepen their understanding through reasoning and problem solving, while those who need more time receive timely support to keep up.

Concrete, pictorial, abstract

Children first handle real objects, then draw or see the maths as a picture or model, and finally work with numbers and symbols alone.

1. Concrete

   Practical resources such as cubes, counters and Dienes, so children can see and touch the maths.

2. 5

   32
   Pictorial

   Visual models such as bar models, part-whole models and number lines, to help children make connections.

3. 3 + 2 = 5
   Abstract

   Numbers and symbols, once children understand the idea underneath them.

In every maths lesson

• RetrievalRevisiting prior learning at the start, so key knowledge is remembered over time
• CPAConcrete resources and visual models to grasp new concepts
• BalanceFluency, reasoning and problem-solving questions
• VocabularyFull-sentence explanations, so children talk confidently about their thinking
• MistakesChances to make mistakes, discuss them and learn from them

Checking understanding

Children's understanding is assessed regularly, using informal observation alongside formative and summative judgements, including end-of-block assessments. Lessons are supplemented with a range of resources, including Testbase and Target Maths.

• Within lessons
• End of each block
• Each term
• Each year
• Each key stage

What children achieve

Children at Sparken Hill Academy love seeing themselves as mathematicians and collaborate to become independent learners. As they move through school, they grow in confidence in fluency, reasoning and problem solving.