Maths
Overview
The mathematics curriculum is carefully sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills over time. Using Power Maths, learning is broken down into small, manageable steps to ensure that children develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts.
A key feature of the mathematics curriculum is the consistent use of the concrete, pictorial and abstract (CPA) approach, enabling children to move from practical experiences to visual representations and then to abstract understanding. This supports all children in developing secure and flexible mathematical thinking.
Key concepts such as place value, number sense, part-whole relationships, and the four operations are revisited and developed throughout the curriculum. Children build fluency in number facts, including number bonds and times tables, which supports efficient and accurate calculation.
Across all year groups, children are taught that calculation is not simply about following a method. They are encouraged to:
- Understand the structure of numbers
- Select efficient mental or written methods
- Explain and justify their thinking
- Make connections across different areas of mathematics
The curriculum ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum and is designed so that knowledge and skills build progressively over time.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children develop the core understanding that underpins all future mathematical learning.
Children begin by connecting calculation with counting on and counting back, before developing a secure understanding of part-whole relationships and place value within 10 and 20. They learn to use number bonds and known facts to calculate efficiently and accurately.
Addition and subtraction are taught together so that children understand the relationship between the two operations. Children are encouraged to select strategies based on their understanding of number, rather than relying on a single method .
Children also begin to explore multiplication and division through equal groups, repeated addition and sharing. They develop early understanding of the 2, 5 and 10 times tables and how these link to counting in equal steps.
Throughout Key Stage 1, children use a range of concrete resources and pictorial representations to support their understanding, before moving towards more abstract methods.
Lower Key Stage 2
In Lower Key Stage 2, children build on their understanding of number and place value to develop more efficient calculation strategies.
Children begin to develop formal written methods, including column addition and subtraction, ensuring that each step is rooted in a secure understanding of place value. They are encouraged to compare mental and written methods and select the most efficient approach.
In multiplication and division, children develop a secure understanding of times tables and learn how to apply known facts flexibly. They explore key concepts such as commutativity, partitioning and unitising, which support efficient calculation.
Children also begin to develop their understanding of fractions and decimals, making links to division and place value. They use representations such as bar models to support their understanding and reasoning .
By the end of Lower Key Stage 2, children have developed fluency in written methods alongside a deep conceptual understanding, enabling them to apply their skills accurately and confidently.
Upper Key Stage 2
In Upper Key Stage 2, children refine and apply their mathematical understanding with increasing independence and confidence.
They develop fluency in all four operations with larger numbers and more complex calculations, including working with fractions, decimals and percentages. Children solve multi-step problems and use mathematical reasoning to justify their methods and conclusions.
There is a strong focus on:
- Selecting efficient and appropriate methods
- Applying knowledge across different areas of mathematics
- Evaluating and checking the accuracy of answers
Children continue to build on their understanding of place value and number relationships, ensuring that written methods remain rooted in conceptual understanding rather than procedure alone.
By the end of Key Stage 2, children are confident, independent mathematicians who can apply their knowledge flexibly and accurately.
Implementation
Mathematics is taught daily using the Power Maths mastery approach, which ensures that all children can succeed and develop a deep understanding of mathematics.
Lessons follow a consistent structure:
- Discover – exploring a problem to spark curiosity
- Share – discussing ideas and strategies
- Think Together – guided practice and modelling
- Practice – independent application
- Reflect – reviewing and consolidating understanding
Teaching prioritises:
- Small steps to secure understanding
- High-quality questioning and discussion
- The use of manipulatives and representations
- Ongoing assessment to inform teaching
Children are not accelerated through content until understanding is secure. Instead, depth is prioritised to ensure that all children develop a strong foundation in mathematics.
Impact
By the time children leave St Paul’s, they have developed:
- Secure fluency in number and calculation
- A deep understanding of mathematical concepts
- The ability to reason and solve problems effectively
- Confidence and resilience when approaching new challenges
Children can:
- Select appropriate methods for different calculations
- Explain their thinking using mathematical vocabulary
- Make connections across different areas of mathematics
- Work both independently and collaboratively
Children show clear progression over time, developing from early number understanding to becoming confident, capable mathematicians who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
Information for Parents/Carers