Mathematics

Intent

At Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School, we are committed to providing a mathematics curriculum that inspires confidence, curiosity and competence in all learners. Rooted in our Catholic mission, we recognise that every child is a unique gift from God, and we aim to provide all pupils with the skills and understanding they need to flourish in life through the lens of mathematics.

Mathematics is a life skill that underpins so many areas of daily living and learning. Our intent is to nurture confident, resilient and reflective mathematicians who approach the subject with enjoyment and curiosity, and who understand the importance of maths in the world around them. We strive for a classroom culture where children feel safe to take risks, explore ideas, and recognise mistakes as valuable steps in learning.

We aim for all children to:

• Develop a growth mindset and a love of mathematics.

• Secure deep understanding of number and calculation, alongside the ability to reason and solve problems.

• Develop fluency, accuracy, and efficiency with mathematical procedures.

• Communicate their mathematical thinking using precise language and representations.

• See mathematics as meaningful and connected to real-life contexts.

• Leave our school ready to take on the mathematical challenges of secondary school and beyond.

Implementation

At Our Lady of Fatima, we have adopted a mastery approach to teaching mathematics, following the White Rose Maths scheme, which aligns with our belief in teaching for depth and understanding. This small-step approach ensures that key concepts are broken down and taught progressively, allowing time for deep thinking, practice, and application before moving on.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Daily maths lessons from Reception to Year 6, designed to build on prior knowledge and make meaningful connections.

• Concrete, pictorial, and abstract (CPA) representations are used across all year groups to build conceptual understanding.

• Emphasis on mathematical language and reasoning, with regular opportunities for pupils to explain their thinking and justify their answers.

• Opportunities to solve a wide variety of problems to develop resilience and creativity in mathematical thinking.

• Use of formative and summative assessments to inform teaching and ensure all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately.

• Intervention and scaffolding for pupils who need more time, ensuring no child is left behind.

• Access to enrichment opportunities, such as themed Maths Days, interactive games, and cross-curricular maths links.

• Regular staff CPD to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality maths teaching.

Impact

The impact of our maths curriculum is evident in the confidence, enjoyment and resilience shown by pupils as they engage with mathematical challenges. Our children:

• Demonstrate strong conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas.

• Use appropriate strategies and language to reason and solve problems.

• Show increasing fluency with mental and written calculations.

• Develop independence in thinking, while also being able to collaborate with others effectively.

• View maths positively and are motivated to improve their skills.

• Are well-prepared for the next stage of their mathematical journey at secondary school.

Assessment data, pupil workbooks, and pupil voice all reflect a consistent and embedded approach to mathematics across the school. As a result, pupils at Our Lady of Fatima are not only competent mathematicians but are empowered to live, love, and learn with confidence in the light of Christ.