Maths

Maths

Developing confident mathematicians

At Manadon Vale Primary School, we use the White Rose Maths approach to develop our children’s mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding. Underpinned by the principles of mastery mathematics, our approach encourages children to explore mathematical concepts through concrete, pictorial and abstract representations.

Our maths teaching provides regular opportunities for fluency, variation, reasoning and problem solving. Wherever possible, practical and meaningful ‘real-life’ activities are used to introduce new concepts, apply skills and reinforce learning objectives. This helps children to see the purpose of mathematics and engage in enjoyable, stimulating learning experiences.

Children are encouraged to explore their learning both independently and collaboratively, explaining their ideas, discussing different approaches and learning from one another. Teaching is carefully scaffolded and adapted, while opportunities for challenge and deeper thinking ensure that all learners can make progress and develop confidence in maths.

We believe that all children can achieve in mathematics. Our mastery approach gives pupils the time, support and challenge they need to develop a deep and lasting understanding of mathematical concepts.

🌟 OurMastery Approach

A mastery approach means that children develop a deep understanding of maths, rather than simply learning procedures or completing calculations.

We aim for all children to develop their understandingthrough the following key areas:

Fluency

Children develop confidence and accuracy with key mathematical facts, concepts and procedures. They have regular opportunities to practise and apply their learning so that important knowledge becomes secure.

Variation

Children experience carefully chosen examples,representations and questions that help them notice mathematical relationships and make connections between concepts.

Reasoning

Children are encouraged to explain their mathematical thinking, justify their answers and use precise mathematical vocabulary. We ask children to consider how and why, rather than simply giving an answer.

Problem Solving

Children apply their mathematical knowledge to a wide rangeof problems and contexts. They learn to persevere, make connections and select appropriate strategies when faced with challenges.

🧠Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract

We use a Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach to help children develop a secure understanding of mathematical concepts.

Concrete
Children use practical equipment and manipulatives to explore mathematical ideas and make concepts tangible.

Pictorial
Children use images, diagrams and representations to develop their understanding and make connections.

Abstract
Children gradually develop the ability to work confidently with numbers, symbols and formal mathematical methods.

Moving between these representations helps children understand not only how to solve a problem, but why a mathematical method works.

White Rose Maths

We use White Rose Maths from Foundation Stagethrough to Year 6.

White Rose provides a carefully sequenced curriculum that supports our mastery approach. Learning is broken down into small, connected steps, allowing children to develop their understanding and make links to previous learning.

Our teachers use White Rose alongside their ownprofessional knowledge and ongoing assessment. Lessons are adapted to meet theneeds of our pupils, ensuring that children receive appropriate support,challenge and opportunities to deepen their understanding.

📚 Our Curriculum

Children build their mathematical knowledge progressively from Foundation Stage through to Year 6.

Across the school, children develop understanding in areasincluding:

• Number and place value

• Addition and subtraction
• Multiplication and division
• Fractions, decimals and percentages
• Measurement
• Geometry
• Statistics
• Ratio and proportion
• Algebra

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that previously learned knowledge is revisited, connected and built upon.

🏠 Maths at Home

Parents and carers can support mathematical development through everyday activities. Maths does not always need to involve worksheets or formal practice.

You can support your child by:

• playing games involving numbers and counting
• practising times tables and number facts
• talking about money when shopping
• measuring ingredients when cooking
• discussing time and timetables
• looking for shapes and patterns
• estimating and comparing quantities
• encouraging your child to explain how they worked something out

Most importantly, encourage your child to have a go, talk about their thinking and learn from mistakes.

🔗Useful Resources

White Rose Maths
Curriculum information and resources to support children’s mathematical learning.

Maths& Science resources | White Rose Education

Times Tables Rock Stars
Practise multiplication and division facts.

Home - Times TablesRock Stars

Numbots
Develop fluency and confidence with number facts.

NumBots | Motivational mathspractice for schools and families.

Topmarks
Interactive mathematical games and activities.

Topmarks- Free Interactive Learning Games, Maths Worksheets & Teaching Resources -Topmarks

⭐ OurMaths Vision

We want every child to leave Manadon Vale as a confident mathematician who understands that everyone can learn mathematics. Through our mastery approach, we develop children who are fluent, able to reason and solve problems, willing to persevere and confident to explain their mathematical thinking.

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