Maths

Our Maths Curriculum has been sequenced and mapped deliberately and coherently. Through Maths No Problem, we aim to teach high quality, well thought out and knowledge rich lessons that demonstrate progression.

Intent

At Rectory C.E. Primary School, we aim for all pupils to become ambitious, resilient, and confident mathematicians, regardless of their starting point. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that children are explicitly taught the key knowledge and skills for fluency and number, which form the foundation for reasoning and problem-solving.

We believe that developing confidence in mathematics leads to enjoyment and a willingness to take on challenges. This confidence empowers pupils to apply their mathematical understanding across the wider curriculum—including Science, Technology, Computing, and Art—and equips them with essential skills for life and future employment.

Our maths teaching enables and encourages children to:

• Become fluent in mathematical fundamentals through regular, varied practice and increasing challenge

• Recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately, supported by strong conceptual understanding

• Reason mathematically, following lines of enquiry, making conjectures, and using precise mathematical language

• Solve problems by applying their learning to a range of standard and non-standard contexts, breaking problems into manageable steps and persevering through challenges

• Use manipulatives and visual representations to explore, explain, and prove their thinking

• Develop as independent thinkers, confident to take risks and approach unfamiliar problems

• Use mathematical vocabulary accurately and consistently to communicate their ideas

Through this approach, we nurture learners who are not only skilled in mathematics but also see its relevance and value in the world around them.

Implementation

At Rectory C.E. Primary School, Maths is taught daily with a strong focus on the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum. We have adopted the Maths — No Problem! (MNP) approach to ensure high standards of teaching and learning across Years 1 to 6.

The MNP approach is built on the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) model:

• 🧩 Concrete – Pupils begin with hands-on experiences using manipulatives to explore concepts

• 🎨 Pictorial – They represent ideas visually to reinforce understanding

• 🔢 Abstract – They apply formal methods using numbers and symbols to solve problems

Mathematical vocabulary is central to every lesson. Pupils articulate their reasoning during the ‘In Focus’ and ‘Let’s Learn’ segments, explaining their thinking to peers and adults using precise language.

Differentiation is achieved through depth rather than acceleration, with pupils challenged to explore multiple methods and justify their solutions.

Those needing more support receive:

• ⏱️ Same-day interventions to address misconceptions

• 🗣️ Timely feedback from teachers and teaching assistants

• 🧠 Additional scaffolding to consolidate understanding before progressing

Beyond MNP, we teach times tables and arithmetic daily through engaging activities such as games, competitions, and creative tasks. Pupils also use Times Tables Rock Stars at home, supported by a reward system to encourage regular practice and independent progression.

We also provide:

• 🧮 Basic Skills lessons to consolidate core methods

• 🧩 Problem-solving opportunities beyond MNP to deepen reasoning and application

Impact

At Rectory C.E. Primary School, the impact of our Maths curriculum is reflected in pupils’ growing confidence, fluency, and enjoyment of mathematics. Through the consistent use of the Maths — No Problem! approach and daily arithmetic practice, children develop a deep, secure understanding of mathematical concepts and are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils:

• Demonstrate fluency in number facts and calculation strategies

• Apply reasoning skills to explain and justify their thinking

• Solve a wide range of problems with resilience and independence

• Use mathematical vocabulary accurately and confidently

• Make connections across mathematical concepts and apply them in real-life contexts

Our pupils leave primary school as mathematically literate learners, equipped with the skills, strategies, and mindset to thrive in secondary education and beyond.

Key Documents