At Catshill First School and Nursery, our intention is to provide children with opportunities to develop their mathematical thinking to achieve confidence and competence in maths. Our curriculum is designed so that it is accessible to all. We want all our children to develop a love of maths, by guiding them to explore ideas, make observations and find connections. We intend to provide opportunities to show students that Mathematical knowledge is important for solving everyday problems and challenges.
We place a large emphasis on oracy and talk in maths, and constantly encourage children to explain their reasoning using mathematical vocabulary. Our approach ensures the children are able to work independently and collaboratively, and are willing to take risks. By the time they leave us, we intend to develop learners with inquisitive minds who have secure mathematical foundations.
In line with the aims of the national curriculum, we strive to ensure that our pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of maths; are able to reason mathematically and can solve problems by applying their mathematics. Every maths lesson follows a structure, supporting recall, times tables practise and arithmetic activity to develop accuracy and fluency, allowing children to reinforce their understanding of key arithmetic aspects and store them in their long term memory.
We follow a Mastery Approach, using high-quality resources such as NCETM, NRich, and White Rose Maths. Lessons are carefully designed to build on prior learning, develop fluency, and explore new ideas through rich, hands-on activities that challenge and inspire. Our aim is to ensure every pupil enjoys maths, and feels confident to take on new challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm.
New concepts are introduced using manipulatives and visual models, allowing pupils to explore ideas in a concrete, pictorial, and abstract way. This helps children truly understand what they are learning, building confidence and fluency as they progress.
Our maths curriculum doesn’t just teach numbers — it helps pupils become curious thinkers, confident problem-solvers, and lifelong learners who see the beauty and logic in mathematics. In line with one of our federation core values – aspiration – we aim to develop possibilities for all!
We want children to have no limits to what their ambitions are, aspiring to be:
- Data Analysts,
- Cryptographers,
- Accountants,
- Engineers,
- Bankers,
- Economists… and so much more!
Links to: Mathematics programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2