Mathematics
At Jessie Younghusband Primary School, we believe that every child can be successful in mathematics. Our aim is to develop confident, resilient and enthusiastic mathematicians who can think logically, solve problems and apply their knowledge in a range of real-life contexts.
Through our values of Aspire, Respect and Enjoy, we encourage children to approach mathematics with confidence, curiosity and a willingness to challenge themselves.
Our Approach to Teaching Mathematics
Mathematics is taught using White Rose Maths as our primary curriculum framework. This provides a carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and skills, ensuring that children build understanding over time through small, manageable steps. We supplement this with resources and guidance from the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) to further strengthen conceptual understanding and develop mathematical thinking.
Whilst we follow these programmes, teaching is never simply delivered from a scheme. Our teachers use their professional knowledge to adapt lessons, examples, questions and support so that learning meets the needs of the children in front of them.
A Mastery Approach
We follow a mastery approach to mathematics, where the focus is on developing a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts rather than moving quickly through content. Children learn to:
- Understand mathematical concepts in depth.
- Explain and justify their thinking.
- Make connections between different areas of mathematics.
- Apply their learning to problem-solving situations.
- Develop fluency alongside conceptual understanding.
We believe that understanding why a method works is just as important as knowing how to use it.
Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving
High-quality mathematics lessons provide opportunities for children to develop:
Fluency
Children build secure recall of key facts and number relationships, enabling them to work efficiently and accurately.
Reasoning
Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, justify their methods and discuss different approaches to solving problems.
Problem Solving
Children apply their mathematical knowledge to a range of increasingly complex and unfamiliar situations.
Mathematical talk is an important feature of lessons, helping children to articulate their thinking and deepen their understanding.
Retrieval Practice and Flashback 4
We know that learning is strengthened when children revisit and recall previous knowledge regularly.
Mathematics lessons begin with retrieval activities, including Flashback 4, which revisit recently taught concepts, prior learning and key number facts. These activities help children strengthen long-term memory and make connections between different areas of learning.
Number Fluency and Times Tables
Developing strong number fluency is a key priority across the school.
Children regularly practise number facts and calculation skills to build confidence and automaticity. In Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2, pupils benefit from approaches that develop a deep understanding of number, while older pupils continue to strengthen their recall and application of key facts.
We use Times Tables Rock Stars to help children develop rapid recall of multiplication and division facts in a fun and engaging way. This supports preparation for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check and helps build the foundations for future mathematical success.
Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract Learning
Children are encouraged to develop their understanding using a range of practical resources and visual representations.
Teachers use manipulatives such as counters, place value equipment, Dienes and number representations to help children make sense of mathematical concepts before moving towards more abstract methods and calculations. This concrete-pictorial-abstract approach helps pupils develop secure and transferable understanding.
Inclusion and Support
We have high expectations for all pupils and believe that every child can achieve in mathematics.
Teachers adapt lessons carefully to support and challenge learners appropriately. This may include the use of manipulatives, scaffolds, pre-teaching, targeted questioning and additional support to ensure that all children can access the learning whilst maintaining high expectations.
Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of mathematics teaching at JYS. Teachers continually assess children's understanding through questioning, discussion, observation and review of work. This allows them to identify misconceptions quickly, provide timely support and tailor future teaching to meet pupils' needs.
Through our mathematics curriculum, we aim to develop children who are confident, capable and resilient learners, equipped with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding they need for the next stage of their education and beyond.
How to help at home
You can find links to many of the resources we use in school to help support you child at home.
