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"All mathematicians share...a sense of amazement over the infinite depth and the mysterious beauty and usefulness of mathematics." Martin Gardner

Maths

Our intent is to provide a challenging and inclusive mathematics curriculum that develops confidence, curiosity and a lifelong appreciation of the subject. We believe in inspiring our pupils through lessons that reflect our values:

  • Joy – through practical and engaging activities, that bring maths to life;
  • Kindness and Respect – through collaborative learning, discussion and supporting others;
  • Perseverance – through problem solving, reasoning and learning from mistakes;
  • Wisdom – through making connections, applying knowledge and understanding the world through mathematics. 

We provide children with strong mathematical foundations that enable them to be confident learners across the curriculum and in everyday life. Our pupils leave St James Primary School with the skills, knowledge and resilience to succeed in mathematics at secondary school and beyond. They understand the importance of mathematics in the wider world and develop a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. 

 

At St James, we aim to develop: 

  • Fluency in key mathematical skills

  • Mathematical reasoning - to understand and explain their thinking

  • Problem solving skills - to work with confidence and resilience

  • Understanding of how mathematics applies to everyday life 

 

We teach maths through: 

  • A mastery approach using Maths No Problem

  • Daily maths lessons across all year groups

  • The Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach

  • Mathematical discussion using precise vocabulary

  • Opportunities for reasoning, problem solving and exploration

  • Regular practice of mental maths and key facts 

  

Early Years

In EYFS, we focus on developing strong mathematical foundations through: 

  • Sorting, matching and comparing

  • Exploring patterns and relationships

  • Developing mathematical language

  • Subitising and recognising number patterns 

 

Children learn through a balance of carpet sessions (White Rose) and continuous provision, with opportunities to explore maths both indoors and outdoors. Different themes and ideas are introduced and discussed every day, with children subsequently able to self-select from a range of indoor and outdoor activities. 

 

KS1 and KS2

In KS1 and KS2, we build on these foundations by developing: 

  • Conceptual understanding through practical resources (manipulatives)

  • Fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills

  • Visual representations such as bar models and drawings

  • Connections between different areas of mathematics 

 

Children are encouraged to: 

  • Explain their thinking clearly using full sentences

  • Use accurate mathematical vocabulary

  • Support and learn from their peers

  • Develop resilience and positive attitudes towards challenges 

At St James, the use of concrete materials enables the children to explore and explain the abstract nature of maths. This concrete, pictorial, and abstract approach, is proven to be a very effective way of supporting mastery and helping children know and understand more, and remember more in the long term. In addition to mental maths skills being reinforced in lessons, additional time is dedicated to helping children become fluent in mental arithmetic skills through regular practice. 

 

Mastery Approach  

At St James our teaching of maths follows a mastery approach. This approach encourages children to:  

  • Respond and speak in full sentences using accurate mathematical vocabulary when explaining their understanding and modelling their methods.

  • Teach and support their peers.

  • Ask and answer questions using precise mathematical vocabulary.

  • Develop visualisation skills.

  • Develop their metacognition.

  • Develop resilience.

  • Cultivate positive mindsets and not be afraid to make mistakes.