Maths

At Castle Hill we believe that all pupils can achieve in mathematics. We believe that at each stage of learning, pupils should be able to demonstrate deep, conceptual understanding of a topic and build on this over time. We want pupils to be able to not only recall and use the maths taught, but to also be able to transfer and apply it in different contexts and be able to reason and problem solve. This deep learning is what we are aiming for by teaching maths using the mastery approach:

How is maths taught at Castle Hill?

At Castle Hill, we follow the Mastery approach using the White Rose curriculum. A whole class teaching approach is used, whereby every pupil is working on the same objective, at the same pace which allows the class to work together.

Teachers provide many opportunities for pupils to explore and develop their knowledge and understanding of maths so that they develop a deep and secure understanding. This is thoroughly embedded throughout all concepts of maths.

To ensure the needs of every individual learner are met, teachers consistently use highly effective questioning throughout lessons and provide appropriate intervention where necessary- this may be through a more scaffolded approach or further challenges that allow the pupils to demonstrate a real depth to their learning.

At Castle Hill, we believe all of our mathematicians should be able to verbalise their mathematical thinking. Therefore, teachers model mathematical vocabulary throughout lessons so that pupils can gain a better understanding of high level vocabulary and use this in their own explanations when reasoning or solving problems.

The curriculum focuses on four areas: number, measurement, geometry and statistics across the year. Included in lessons are fluency, reasoning and problem solving tasks, giving the pupils the opportunity to explore a particular maths concept in depth. Pupils demonstrate their understanding of concepts through numerous representations including concrete, pictorial and abstract examples- this allows the pupils to learn in lots of different ways and provides greater depth to their learning.

Pupils are given Mathletics homework weekly which they can access at home via a laptop/tablet. The maths activities provided will link to the learning done in class that week, earlier in the term or from the previous term encouraging the pupils to practice, embed and make connections between their key skills.

Maths in Reception

Castle Hill Primary School is taking part in the The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) project to support the teaching of basic maths skills in our school.

This project aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense (a deep understanding of number) for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2.

The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 and begin KS2 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Research shows that children with secure ‘number sense’ early on will make more progress later on in Maths and across the curriculum.

Reception will still use White Rose when covering other topics such as shape, space and measure.
Reception Mastering Number Overview

Maths in Nursery

In Nursery we also use the White Rose scheme. The primary goal in the EYFS is to provide a solid foundation for future learning. The White Rose Maths approach's emphasis on problem-solving and deep understanding can be particularly beneficial for setting young learners on a path to success in mathematics.

Progression of learning

Progression of Skills in Maths

Progression of vocabulary

Progression Maths Vocabulary

Key Knowledge

Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFS) are designed to support the development of the mental skills and key knowledge that underpin much of the maths work in schools.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Some of the White Rose links have been updated. The link below will take you to the updated home learning videos provided by WRM to support your childs’ learning.

White Rose Maths - Home Learning