At Godstone Primary and Nursery School, we believe that every child can enjoy and succeed in mathematics. Maths helps children to understand the world around them — from counting and measuring to solving problems and spotting patterns. Our aim is to give all pupils the confidence, curiosity and skills they need to use maths in everyday life and as a foundation for future learning.

 

Intent – What we want our pupils to achieve

Our maths curriculum is designed to help children develop a deep understanding of number, reasoning, and problem-solving, as well as a lifelong enjoyment of the subject. We aim to:

• Build strong understanding: We teach the key ideas and skills that help children make sense of maths and apply what they know to different situations.
• Develop confidence: We help children believe they can succeed in maths. We encourage them to take on challenges, persevere, and see mistakes as part of learning.
• Show real-world relevance: We make links between maths and real-life examples so children can see how useful and meaningful it is — from shopping and time to art, science and sport.
• Include everyone: Our lessons are designed so that all children can take part and make progress, whatever their starting point or learning needs.
• Encourage collaboration: Children often work together to share ideas, explain their thinking and learn from each other.

 

Implementation – How we teach maths

To achieve our aims, we follow a carefully planned and sequenced maths curriculum from the Early Years to Year 6. We use the White Rose Maths scheme, which follows the National Curriculum, to make sure children’s learning builds step by step. In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, we also use the Mastering Number programme from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) to strengthen children’s understanding of number and fluency (quick recall of number facts). Our approach includes:

• Clear structure and progression: Each year builds on the one before, helping children to secure knowledge and make connections across topics.
• Practical and visual learning: Children first use objects they can move and handle (concrete), then draw or use pictures (pictorial), and finally use numbers and symbols (abstract). This step-by-step approach helps them understand ideas deeply.
• Active teaching and practice: Teachers explain new ideas clearly, guide children through examples, and then provide independent tasks to practise and apply their learning.
• Checking understanding: Teachers regularly assess (check) how well children are learning and use this information to adapt lessons or provide extra support where needed.

• Support for all learners: We use small group work, extra practice and pre-teaching for those who need it, and extra challenge for pupils who are ready to explore concepts in more depth.
• Staff training: Teachers take part in ongoing training to make sure maths teaching is consistent and high quality across the school.
• Parental involvement: We share information and resources with parents so they can support their child’s learning at home.

Impact – The difference our maths curriculum makes

We know our maths teaching is successful when we see children who are confident, engaged and able to explain their thinking clearly.

• Strong progress: Children achieve well in maths, meeting or exceeding national expectations in assessments. We track progress closely across the school to ensure every child makes good progress.
• Confident learners: Pupils can recall key facts (such as times tables and number bonds) quickly and use them to solve problems effectively.
• Positive attitudes: Children enjoy maths lessons and take pride in their achievements. They approach challenges with enthusiasm and perseverance.
• Real understanding: Pupils can reason logically, explain how they reached an answer, and apply their learning in new and practical situations.
• Inclusive success: All children, including those with special educational needs or who are disadvantaged, are supported to achieve and make progress.
• Ready for the future: Pupils leave Godstone Primary and Nursery School with a strong foundation in maths, ready for the challenges of secondary school and everyday life.