Maths

Mathematics Curriculum

Our Vision

At Northbury Primary School, we believe that every child can succeed in mathematics. We aim to develop confident, resilient mathematicians who think critically, explain their reasoning, and apply their knowledge to solve problems in a range of contexts.

Intent

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

become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics
reason mathematically
solve problems by applying their mathematical knowledge

At Northbury Primary School, we provide a high-quality mathematics curriculum that develops pupils’ confidence, resilience, and enjoyment of the subject. Our aim is for pupils to develop a deep and secure conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts so they can apply their knowledge in a range of contexts.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure coherence, enabling pupils to build on prior knowledge and recognise connections between mathematical ideas. Through a mastery approach, pupils explore concepts in depth before moving on to new learning.

We prioritise the explicit teaching of mathematical vocabulary and encourage discussion so pupils can clearly explain their thinking and reasoning. Teachers adapt learning to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, while maintaining high expectations for every learner.

Implementation

Mathematics is taught daily from Early Years to Year 6 following the White Rose Maths scheme of learning, which is aligned with the National Curriculum and supports a mastery approach to teaching mathematics.

The curriculum is structured into small steps, so pupils develop secure conceptual understanding over time. Teaching follows the concrete, pictorial and abstract approach, allowing pupils to explore ideas using practical resources and visual representations before moving to abstract methods. A range of manipulatives, including counters, numicon, and place value charts, supports pupils in developing conceptual understanding. Teachers use carefully chosen representations and variation in examples to highlight important mathematical structures and relationships.

Mathematical talk is an important feature of lessons. Pupils explain their thinking, compare strategies, and justify their reasoning using precise mathematical language. Teachers use questioning and ongoing assessment to monitor understanding and identify next steps in learning. Scaffolds and targeted support ensure all pupils can access the learning while maintaining high expectations. Opportunities for deeper thinking are also provided to extend pupils’ understanding. Regular opportunities are provided to revisit key concepts and practise core skills so pupils develop fluency and confidence. Pupils also develop secure knowledge of multiplication facts through structured times table practice.

Impact

Through our mathematics curriculum, pupils develop confidence, resilience, and a secure understanding of mathematical concepts. They are able to apply their knowledge to solve problems, explain their reasoning, and select efficient and flexible methods.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils:

demonstrate fluency in the fundamentals of mathematics
reason mathematically and explain their thinking
solve problems by applying their knowledge in a range of contexts, using efficient and flexible methods

Teachers use ongoing formative assessment alongside termly summative assessments to monitor progress and identify next steps. Assessment information informs teaching and ensures targeted support is provided where needed.

In Early Years, a balance of child-initiated and adult-led learning supports pupils in developing early mathematical understanding and working towards the Early Learning Goals.

Pupils leave Northbury Primary School as confident mathematicians who can explain their thinking, apply their knowledge independently, and approach new problems with resilience.

Number day 2026

Thank you to all the children who took part in this year’s Maths Number Day celebration.

It was a fantastic day filled with excitement, curiosity, and a real love for numbers! From the thrilling maths competition to the wide variety of maths games and engaging activities throughout the day, every child showed wonderful enthusiasm, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

A special highlight was seeing the creativity of both children and staff in designing their own maths-themed T-shirts — the effort and imagination on display were truly impressive! We are incredibly proud of everyone who participated and contributed to making the day such a success.

Well done to all the children who took part in the Number Day T-Shirt competition. Special congratulations to our winners:

Nursery: Amrah
Reception: Eliza (RP)
Year 1: Eliza (1B)
Year 2: Syeda (2A)
Year 3: Hussain (3O)
Year 4: Umar (4E)
Year 5: Nylah (5SU)
Year 6: Moukthika (6M)