Maths

Mathematics at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School & Nursery

Introduction

At Our Lady of Lourdes, Mathematics is a core part of the curriculum and helps pupils make sense of the world around them. Through early experiences with number, shape, pattern and data, pupils develop the logical and systematic thinking they need across their education and daily lives. Mathematics supports learning in all subjects and equips pupils with essential knowledge and skills for problem solving and decision making.

We follow the White Rose Maths scheme of learning from the Early Years through Key Stage 2. Teachers adapt this scheme to ensure that learning is well-sequenced, accessible and appropriately challenging for all pupils. Lessons use Explicit and Direct Instruction so that pupils move through new ideas in small, manageable steps, building secure understanding over time. This approach supports us in providing a consistent, inclusive and high-quality Mathematics curriculum for every learner, including those with SEND or working below age-related expectations.

Our Aims

We aim for all pupils to:

Develop secure understanding: Build strong foundations in key concepts through well-planned teaching and regular practice.
Strengthen reasoning skills: Ask questions, explore patterns and relationships, and explain their thinking using clear mathematical language.
Apply mathematics confidently: Use their knowledge flexibly in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and break problems into smaller steps.

We also encourage pupils to:

See themselves as capable mathematicians: Experience success, develop confidence and enjoy mathematical learning.
Show curiosity and engagement: Explore ideas, ask questions and take an active role in their learning.
Build resilience: Recognise that mistakes help learning and persevere when working through more complex concepts.
Communicate clearly: Explain, represent and justify their ideas using accurate vocabulary, models and methods.
Recognise real-life relevance: Understand how Mathematics supports learning across the curriculum and everyday life.

How We Teach Mathematics

Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practice. Teachers use:

Explicit Instruction to introduce new concepts clearly and step by step.
The Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach to help pupils move from practical resources to visual models and written methods.
The Teaching for Mastery principles to ensure depth, fluency and long-term retention.

Every lesson includes opportunities for:

Fluency – practising core skills and developing quick recall.
Reasoning – explaining and justifying ideas.
Problem Solving – applying learning to new or more complex challenges.

We use additional programmes to support progression across the school.
In Year 1, children take part in a Maths Mastery programme that strengthens early number understanding, subitising and key number facts.

From Year 2 onwards, pupils use a structured Step Counting strategy that deepens understanding of multiplication, including square numbers, factors and factor pairs, while building fluent recall of multiplication facts.

How Parents Can Support Mathematics at Home

We value the partnership between home and school in helping children develop confidence in Mathematics. Parents can support their child by:

Practising number facts such as number bonds, doubles, halves and age-appropriate times tables.
Talking about maths in everyday life, including cooking, shopping, using money and reading timetables.
Using mathematical language regularly to build confidence and understanding.
Playing games and activities that support quick recall and strategic thinking.
Encouraging regular practice on school-recommended platforms such as Numbots and Times Tables Rock Stars.
Promoting a positive attitude by praising effort, celebrating progress and recognising that mistakes help learning.

Parents who would like further guidance are encouraged to speak with their child’s class teacher or the Maths Lead.