Intent

At Littlebourne, children are provided with a progressive mathematics curriculum that develops fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Through a carefully planned and structured sequence of lessons, pupils build secure conceptual understanding while gradually developing their mathematical vocabulary and ability to reason. Our inclusive and creative curriculum ensures that all children are equipped with the tools they need to apply their mathematical knowledge confidently and challenge themselves as independent learners.

Implementation

A consistent approach to lesson structure ensures a clear focus on both fluency and reasoning in mathematics. Time is carefully allocated to allow skills and conceptual understanding to be mastered at an appropriate level before pupils move on to new learning. A clear calculation policy, alongside the consistent use of visual representations, supports pupils in developing a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts. High expectations for presentation are actively encouraged and rewarded, and mistakes are recognised as an important and valuable part of the learning process. Pupils are supported to develop independence by choosing and using appropriate resources to support their learning.

Opportunities are provided to regularly revisit and reinforce key number and calculation skills through a range of contexts, such as money and measures, ensuring children can apply their understanding to real-life mathematical situations.

Impact

Our children will be able to:

• Demonstrate a secure conceptual understanding of number and place value, using visual representations to support and explain their thinking.

• Apply a range of calculation strategies fluently and accurately, knowing when and how to use them.

• Recognise the relevance and application of mathematics in real-life contexts and across the wider curriculum.

• Present their work clearly and accurately, meeting the high expectations across the school.

• Use precise mathematical language to describe, explain and justify their reasoning when solving problems.

At Littlebourne, mathematics is taught in a supportive and encouraging environment where children are confident to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them. Lessons are carefully structured so that pupils develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills over time, using practical resources, visual representations and clear mathematical language to deepen understanding. Children are encouraged to persevere, explain their thinking and work collaboratively, knowing that mistakes are an important part of learning.

Our pupils tell us:

"I love maths because I love seeing that I have got something right after I got it wrong before."

"My teacher helps me when I find things hard."

"We do lots of problem solving questions that are really tricky, but I get there in the end."

"I find maths tricky, but everyone tries to help me get better."

These comments reflect our commitment to creating a positive maths culture where all children feel supported and challenged. Across the school, pupils regularly use concrete resources and visual models to help them understand new concepts before applying their learning independently. Mathematical thinking is revisited and built upon, allowing children to make connections and apply their skills in a range of contexts.

Images on this page show examples of how mathematics is taught across different year groups, while our calculation policies outline the consistent methods and representations used throughout the school to support progression and confidence in number.

By the time children leave Littlebourne, they are resilient mathematicians who can explain their thinking clearly, apply their skills confidently and recognise the importance of mathematics in everyday life.