Intent
At Beechwood, we want our pupils to think for themselves and care for others. We recognise the importance of mathematics throughout each child’s life. We are committed to providing a mathematics curriculum which encourages children to master an understanding and love of maths through challenging problems. Children at Beechwood should develop the self-confidence and resilience to think for themselves in maths by ensuring that they have the tools to calculate fluently, reason logically, problem solve and think in abstract ways. We also want to further deepen children’s understanding so that they can support others in their own mathematical endeavours by explaining their thinking in a caring, supportive way.
Implementation
Number a week
In Early years, we work towards the expectations of Development Matters. We recognise the importance of children mastering each stage before moving in. It is because of this that we follow 'a number of the week' approach to maths. The children will focus on a specific number at a time (up to 10) and explore this number in different ways such as exploring different representations of that number, addition facts, subitising and ordering numbers. The children work on their understanding of shape, space and measure. In early years, maths activities are carried out through a mix of teacher led activities and child led tasks in continuous provision.
Maths No Problem
In 2016, Beechwood adopted the 'Maths No Problem' approach for maths for years 1 to 6. The Maths — No Problem! Primary Maths Series has been created using the principles of Singapore mathematics and is fully aligned to the 2014 English national curriculum. The Programme provides all the elements that teachers need to teach maths for mastery with confidence. In 2021, we moved on to the New Edition of Maths-No Problem! which has been updated to allow for further challenge and support for pupils. In our maths lessons, pupils apply their prior knowledge to tackle a range of exciting and challenging problems which progress their learning. Pupils are encouraged to use a range of methods to show a deep understanding whilst also showing their mathematical reasoning.
Mastering Number
On top of our mastery curriculum, we also follow NCETM's mastering number programme for years Reception, year 1, year 2, year 4 and year 5. Mastering Number provides daily, short burst activities that support children's basic understanding of number. In EYFS and KS1, the project secures pupil's number sense and develops their fluency in calculation. In KS2, it enables pupils to develop their fluency of multiplication and division facts.
Whilst there is not yet a project for years 3 and 6 however we are working towards teachers in these year groups using the same principles to develop the maths fluency in these year groups.
At our school, we use engaging online platforms to support the development of key mathematical skills across all year groups. Pupils in Years 2 to 6 use Times Table Rock Stars to build speed and fluency in their times tables through fun, interactive games and challenges. This helps them gain confidence and accuracy with multiplication and division, which are essential foundations for more advanced maths. In Reception and Year 1, children use Numberbots to develop strong number sense and early calculation skills. These tools make learning enjoyable while reinforcing vital mathematical concepts in a way that supports every child’s progress.
Impact
We regularly check in on children’s knowledge, progress and understanding. This ensures that teachers can adapt, slow down or speed up teaching so that every child at Beechwood achieves their full potential. By the time a pupil leaves Beechwood in Year 6, they will have developed essential mathematical knowledge whilst also developing their ability to calculate, reason, and solve problems. They will have an understanding of how Mathematics is essential to everyday life, using mathematics to Think for themselves and care for others.
