Intent

At Stamfordham Primary School, we recognise the importance of mathematics in every child’s daily life and future. It helps children understand patterns and relationships in numbers and the world around them. We aim to build each child’s confidence and resilience, equipping them to calculate fluently, reason logically, solve problems, and think abstractly.

What are we aiming to achieve?

• Children become confident, competent and independent mathematicians.
• Build a deep conceptual understanding of maths and its interrelated content so that children can apply their learning in different situations.
• Develop children’s ability to articulate, discuss and reason their thinking using mathematical vocabulary. 
• ‘Mistake friendly’ classrooms where children see mistakes as learning tools.
• Instil the mind-set in every child and staff member that everyone can do maths.
• Deliver an inspiring and engaging mathematics curriculum, taught by highly-enthusiastic staff, which sparks curiosity and excitement and which nurtures confidence in maths

Implementation

How is our vision translated into practice?

We ensure a coherent progression through the National Curriculum, with each year group following a medium-term plan built on small, cumulative steps that develop deep mathematical understanding. We use the White Rose Maths scheme as a structured foundation, while adapting teaching to meet the needs of each cohort and providing appropriate challenge and support for all pupils.

Children’s learning is regularly reviewed through pupil performance data, ongoing teacher assessment, and pupil voice, ensuring the curriculum remains both challenging and supportive for every learner.

Our creative and ambitious curriculum encourages children to be curious, critical thinkers. They explore mathematics in depth, using precise vocabulary and a range of resources to reason and make connections. Children are supported to explain their strategies and develop strong mathematical reasoning, while recognising the role mathematics plays in everyday life and across the wider curriculum.

From the Early Years, we use a mastery CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) approach to build deep, secure understanding. We prioritise early number fluency to develop automaticity, supported through programmes such as Mastering Number in EYFS and KS1, and engaging platforms like Times Table Rockstars in KS2. Start of Day Activities (SODA) and fluency sessions reinforce prior learning, strengthen core skills, and address gaps identified in daily lessons.

 

Impact

What is the impact of our curriculum? 

• Children are happy learners who talk enthusiastically about their learning and eager to further their progress.
• The impact of ‘mastery’ and the emphasis on accurate use of mathematical language is evident during class/pupil discussions. 
• Children’s fluency in numbers is evident in our proven track record of high success in arithmetic. 
• Cross-school moderation highlights the high level of challenge for all ability groups.
• These factors ensure that we are able to achieve high standards, with achievement at the end of KS2 in-line with that of the national average.

Inclusion:

Each classroom fosters a supportive environment where children can confidently solve problems, using tools such as Working Walls and Strategy Shops. ‘Star Maths’ offers pre-teaching opportunities, helping pupils build confidence and readiness for upcoming learning.

Maths Capital:

At Stamfordham Primary School, our flexible curriculum builds on what children already know and understand. We believe that broad exposure—to both cultural experiences and unfamiliar contexts—is key to developing confidence and success in mathematics.

As children progress, we deliberately widen their mathematical experiences, creating rich and engaging opportunities across the curriculum. These include events and activities such as Number Day, data handling in science with Captain Chemistry, after-school clubs, Victorian Maths Day, Times Tables Rock Stars Day, STEM workshops, Maths Café sessions, Maths Careers Day, and real-life applications such as farming and geographical mapping.