Maths

At Cordwalles Junior School, our mathematics curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils develop deep, connected and secure mathematical understanding, enabling them to become confident, fluent and resilient mathematicians.

Our curriculum is derived from the Oak National Academy Mathematics Curriculum and is underpinned by the Department for Education Curriculum Prioritisation Materials, the Ready to Progress Criteria, NCETM Professional Development Materials and the principles of a Mastery Approach to Mathematics.

We believe that every child can achieve success in mathematics through high-quality teaching, carefully sequenced learning and opportunities to think deeply about mathematical concepts. Our curriculum prioritises conceptual understanding, fluency, reasoning and problem solving, ensuring pupils develop both knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in a range of contexts.

Curriculum Principles

Knowledge and Vocabulary Rich- Our mathematics curriculum is deliberately knowledge-rich, with carefully identified mathematical vocabulary and language taught explicitly. Pupils build upon what they already know, developing secure understanding of key concepts before applying this knowledge through increasingly complex skills, reasoning activities and problem-solving opportunities.

Sequenced and Coherent- The curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure coherent progression throughout Key Stage 2. Learning is sequenced so that pupils revisit and build upon prior knowledge through clearly identified vertical threads. This enables pupils to make meaningful connections between mathematical concepts and develop increasingly sophisticated understanding over time.

Mastery Approach- Teaching is informed by mastery principles, ensuring pupils gain a deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than moving rapidly through content. Lessons focus on securing understanding through varied representations, mathematical discussion, reasoning and problem solving, enabling all children to develop confidence and competence in mathematics.

Evidence-Informed- Our curriculum reflects current research into effective mathematics teaching and learning. It draws upon evidence from cognitive science, the science of learning and subject-specific mathematics research. Teaching approaches are designed to support long-term retention, retrieval of prior knowledge and the development of connected mathematical understanding.

Flexible- Whilst providing a well-sequenced progression model, the curriculum remains flexible, allowing teachers to respond to pupils' needs and adapt learning to our school context. Teachers use assessment information to provide additional support, consolidation or challenge where required.

Accessible for All- We are committed to ensuring that mathematics is accessible for every learner. Teaching is adapted through scaffolding, representation, structured support and appropriate challenge to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and those working at greater depth. Our aim is for all pupils to access ambitious mathematical learning and achieve success.

Diverse and Inclusive- We strive to create an inclusive mathematics curriculum where all pupils see themselves positively represented. Through inclusive language, contexts and resources, we promote equity and ensure that mathematics remains relevant and accessible to all learners.

Implementation 

Mathematics is taught daily through carefully planned lessons that follow the progression of the Oak National Academy curriculum while remaining responsive to assessment information and pupil need.

Lessons typically include:

• A review of previous learning through an arithmetic starter and recap activity to promote retrieval and long-term retention.

• A ‘ping-pong’ approach to teaching, where new learning is introduced in small, manageable steps, enabling pupils to develop secure understanding before moving on.

• Explicit teaching of new mathematical concepts and vocabulary.

• Exploration of a range of concrete, pictorial and abstract representations to develop conceptual understanding and mathematical fluency.

• Opportunities for pupils to explain their thinking clearly and confidently using mathematical generalisations, stem sentences and precise reasoning.

• Development of pupils’ oracy skills through structured discussion opportunities such as talk partners, mathematical talk and echo reading.

• Multiple opportunities throughout lessons to assess understanding through strategies including talk partner feedback, mini whiteboards, questioning, cold calling, diagnostic and hinge questions, and live marking.

• Deliberate practice to secure fluency and embed key concepts.

• Problem-solving and reasoning activities that promote deeper understanding and application of learning.

• Appropriate scaffolding and challenge to ensure all pupils can access learning while enabling higher-attaining pupils to deepen and extend their understanding.

• Rapid identification and effective addressing of misconceptions by teachers and learning support assistants.

• Explicit links to prior learning and, where appropriate, connections to other curriculum areas to strengthen understanding and transfer of knowledge.

• Live marking by teachers and Learning Support Assistants throughout lessons to provide immediate feedback and intervention.

• Peer marking at the end of lessons to promote reflection and ownership of learning.

Teachers use formative assessment continuously to identify misconceptions, adapt teaching and ensure all pupils make progress. The Ready to Progress Criteria inform both planning and assessment, ensuring pupils secure the essential mathematical knowledge required for future learning and success.Pupils and teachers use RAG (Red, Amber, Green) self-assessment in line with the school's marking and feedback policy to support assessment for learning and inform next steps.

As a result of our mathematics curriculum, pupils at Cordwalles Junior School:

• Develop strong arithmetic fluency and number sense.

• Acquire secure and connected mathematical knowledge.

• Use precise mathematical vocabulary confidently.

• Reason mathematically and justify their thinking.

• Apply their knowledge effectively when solving problems.

• Build resilience, confidence and independence as mathematicians.

• Are well prepared for the next stage of their mathematical education.

Our curriculum ensures that pupils leave Cordwalles Junior School with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to succeed in mathematics at secondary school and beyond.