Mathematics at St Richard’s Catholic Primary School

At St Richard’s Catholic Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child develops a deep, secure and lasting understanding of mathematics. We believe that all children can be successful mathematicians, and we are ambitious for every pupil to achieve highly regardless of their starting point. Our curriculum is carefully designed to develop confident learners who can reason mathematically, solve problems and apply their knowledge fluently across a range of contexts.

We follow the White Rose Maths scheme as the foundation of our mathematics curriculum. The scheme provides a coherent and progressive sequence of learning that builds knowledge and understanding over time. However, we recognise that every cohort of children is unique. Teachers use ongoing formative assessment to adapt lessons, address misconceptions and provide appropriate support or challenge, ensuring that learning is responsive to pupils' needs and enables strong progress for all.

Our approach to mathematics is underpinned by the principles of mastery. We believe that true mathematical understanding goes beyond simply recalling facts or following procedures. Children are encouraged to understand relationships between concepts, explain their thinking, make connections and demonstrate why mathematical methods work. Through carefully planned teaching, pupils develop both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding.

To support this, we use the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) approach:

Concrete
Children begin by exploring mathematical concepts using practical resources and manipulatives. By physically representing numbers and calculations, pupils develop secure understanding and make connections between mathematical ideas.

Pictorial
Children then use diagrams, models and visual representations to explain and deepen their understanding, helping them bridge the gap between practical experiences and abstract concepts.

Abstract
Once understanding is secure, children apply their knowledge using numbers, symbols and formal written methods, demonstrating a deep understanding of mathematical structures and relationships.

In Early Years and Key Stage 1, we also participate in the NCETM Mastering Number Programme, which develops children's fluency, flexibility and confidence with number. Through carefully sequenced teaching, pupils build a strong understanding of number sense, subitising, composition of number and additive relationships, creating firm foundations for future mathematical success.

Across the school, pupils use a range of manipulatives, representations and working walls to support learning and deepen understanding. Mathematical discussion is a key component of lessons, with pupils encouraged to explain, justify and reason using precise mathematical vocabulary and stem sentences.

Developing fluency is a priority throughout the school. Daily fluency sessions provide opportunities for pupils to strengthen number sense, recall key facts and develop efficient mental calculation strategies. We recognise that rapid recall of number facts and arithmetic skills enables children to tackle increasingly complex mathematical reasoning and problem-solving with confidence.

To support fluency further, pupils have access to a range of high-quality online learning platforms. From Year 2 onwards, children use Times Tables Rock Stars to develop rapid recall of multiplication and division facts. Pupils also access NumBots, which helps build confidence and fluency with number bonds, addition and subtraction. These platforms provide engaging opportunities for children to practise and consolidate learning both in school and at home.

As part of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust, we work closely with colleagues across the Trust to continually develop and strengthen mathematics provision. Through collaborative planning, moderation, professional development and the sharing of best practice, we ensure that our teaching remains evidence-informed and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

At St Richard's, we want every child to leave us as a confident, resilient and enthusiastic mathematician. Through high-quality teaching, carefully sequenced learning and a mastery approach, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in mathematics at secondary school and beyond.