Mathematics

Intent

At St John’s CE Primary Academy we aim for all children to flourish mathematically, regardless of their starting point or background. Our teaching enables pupils to reason, problem-solve, and make connections, developing a deep and lasting understanding that empowers them to participate fully in everyday life.

The National Curriculum for Mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:

• • Become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics so that they can develop their conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
  • Reason mathematically, including being able to develop an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
  • Solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of problems, including breaking them down into a series of smaller steps, and persevering in seeking solutions.

Implementation

Our Mathematics Curriculum

At St John’s C.E. Primary Academy, mathematics is an important and valued subject. We want all children to develop a deep understanding of mathematics, enjoy learning it and achieve well, so they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education and for life beyond school.

Our mathematics curriculum is ambitious, carefully sequenced and designed so that all pupils can succeed. We follow a teaching for mastery approach, using Power Maths as the core scheme of learning. Lessons are broken down into small, manageable steps so that children build secure understanding before moving on. This approach develops fluency, reasoning and problem solving alongside conceptual understanding.

Teaching and learning are closely aligned to the DfE Ready to Progress criteria, ensuring children move through the national curriculum at a similar pace and develop secure knowledge of key concepts. High expectations are held for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have additional needs.

Supporting All Learners

We believe it is important that children keep up with their learning. Where a child finds an area of mathematics challenging, timely and targeted support is provided. Interventions are carefully matched to classroom learning and reviewed regularly so that children can quickly gain confidence and rejoin whole-class learning.

Assessment plays an important role in supporting progress. Teachers use ongoing assessment in lessons to adapt teaching, alongside termly Testbase assessments to monitor attainment and progress over time. This ensures we can respond quickly to children’s needs and maintain high standards across the school.

Developing Strong Number Sense

In addition to daily mathematics lessons, we take a systematic approach to teaching number facts and procedures through the Mastering Number Programme. This programme helps children develop strong number sense and fluency through deep understanding, rather than rote learning. As a result, children are able to recall key facts efficiently, reducing cognitive load and enabling them to tackle more complex mathematical thinking with confidence.

Staff Development and Expertise

We are committed to ensuring our staff continue to grow and flourish as mathematics teachers. High-quality professional development is a priority and is supported through the local Maths Hub, our trust, and expertise within the school. This year, EYFS and Key Stage 1 staff have taken part in Mastering Number training, while Lower Key Stage 2 staff have been involved in an Introductory Teaching for Mastery work group. This ongoing CPD ensures teaching remains consistent, confident and aligned with national best practice.

Strong Outcomes

Our approach to mathematics is having a positive impact. End of Key Stage 2 results in July 2025 were 91%, reflecting the strong progress and high achievement of our pupils.

• Children are happy learners of mathematics.  They experience a wide-ranging number of learning challenges in the subject and know appropriate responses to them.
• Through mathematics, children deepen their appreciation of their faith and fulfill their God-given talents.
• Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in mathematics, reflected in outstanding progress that reveals a clear learning journey.
• Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in mathematics and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education.
• Clear outcomes focus and guide all mathematical development plans and drive improvement.
• Children will become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics. Through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, pupils will have the conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.

Through high-quality teaching, strong leadership and a commitment to continual improvement, we aim to ensure that all children leave St John’s C.E. Primary Academy confident, capable and enthusiastic mathematicians.