Maths

Intent: 

At St Stephen’s Junior School, we believe a high-quality maths curriculum should promote mathematical fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills among pupils. We have high expectations and teach maths to support children in developing a secure understanding of mathematical concepts which they can apply to a range of contexts. All lessons will place an emphasis on developing pupils’ mathematical vocabulary and communication skills to articulate their reasoning and problem-solving strategies effectively. We aim for our mathematics teaching to provide connections to the real world so the children can understand its importance. We hope to nurture positive attitudes towards learning.

We wish for our children to leave St Stephen’s Junior School equipped with the tools and knowledge succeed.

How is the Maths Curriculum implemented? 

At St Stephen’s Junior School, we teach whole class maths using a mastery-based approach which builds a culture of continuous improvement. We use the White Rose Maths Scheme, where learning is separated into small steps. Learning is scaffolded and differentiated according to need, enabling effective learning to take place for all. Concepts are taught using a range of pedagogical techniques, including the CPA (concrete, pictorial and abstract) approach where manipulatives and representations are used to make abstract concepts accessible and engaging.

At SSJS, we teach Maths daily using a variety of approaches:

• Whole class small steps
• Daily times tables practise
• Weekly arithmetic teaching

Please see the outline below:

We have a well-sequenced and coherent curriculum to ensure progression and mastery of mathematical skills. It reflects the principles of the National Curriculum while providing opportunities for deeper exploration and application of knowledge.

Arithmetic

Depending on the year group, children will have at least one arithmetic lesson per week. This will focus on consolidating children’s knowledge of the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and improve recall.

Times Tables and Times Tables Rockstars

During the term, children will practise times tables daily with their class through the use of learning carousels. A variety of strategies and resources are used for this to ensure we are providing opportunities to practise times tables and multiplication facts in fun and engaging ways. There will be a focus times table that the class will work on together. Each classroom has an interactive times tables display which is completed with and by the children that focuses on this times table. These will be tested during the school week and inform classroom next steps.

At the end of each term, children will complete a paper times tables test which tests multiplication facts up to 12x. Teachers will record these results and use them to assess a child’s development.

At St Stephen’s, all children have a Times Tables Rockstars (TTRS) login. This programme is designed to boost maths confidence and increase fluency and recall in multiplication and division, delivery better maths outcomes. TTRS is used as an engagement and assessment tool. Each class and child has an individualised ‘heatmap’ which highlights the times tables children can answer correctly and quickly.

Enrichment

There are opportunities for enrichment such as problem-solving challenges, times table competitions, Maths clubs and cross-curricular links. These are provided to deepen pupil’s understanding and engagement with Mathematics.

What is the impact of our Maths Curriculum? 

As a result of our Maths curriculum, pupils exhibit improved confidence in approaching mathematical challenges, demonstrate resilience when faced with problems and are able to apply their learning across contexts.

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