Maths

Maths is a core subject that helps children develop essential skills in numbers, shapes, measurements, and problem-solving. At Queensgate Foundation Primary School, we focus on building a strong mathematical foundation through engaging, hands-on activities and real-life examples. 

Our curriculum encourages children to understand concepts deeply, develop confidence in using numbers, and apply their learning to everyday situations. From counting and basic calculations in early years to more complex problem-solving and reasoning in later years, we support every child to progress at their own pace. 

Maths is not only about numbers—it helps develop logical thinking, perseverance, and creativity, all of which are vital for success across the curriculum and beyond.

A Message from Mr Tilling and Mrs Edmonds, our Maths Subject Leaders

At Queensgate, it’s wonderful to see how much our children enjoy maths. As maths leads, we get to see their confidence grow and their enthusiasm shine as they explore and investigate new ideas. 

Maths lessons are lively and varied—sometimes using hands-on resources (manipulatives), getting active with outdoor maths, or using our nature area to bring learning to life. As they progress, children take on more abstract challenges and complex problem-solving with growing independence. 

It’s fantastic to watch them develop strong fluency, deep understanding, and a real sense of how maths connects to the world around them. Most of all, we’re proud to see them enjoying their learning and reaching their full potential.

Intent

At Queensgate Foundation Primary School our intent for mathematics is to provide a  rich and progressive curriculum. We aim to enable children to develop in both  fluency and conceptual understanding, thereby creating independent learners who  reach their full potential and are able to apply their understanding and skills  successfully to reasoning and problem-solving situations. Mathematical concepts are  introduced using a ‘Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract’ approach allowing children clear  models and images to aid understanding. We recognise the importance of  developing pupils’ mathematical vocabulary and how it enables pupils to discuss,  explain and justify reasoning and understanding, both within mathematics and  across the wider curriculum. We aim to foster a positive ‘can do’ approach,  encouraging children to develop in confidence and resilience.

By adopting a mastery approach, it is our aim that all children develop the skills and  knowledge needed and are well equipped for their future learning. Central to this are  the 5 big ideas that underpin mastery in mathematics.

• Coherence
• Representation and Structure
• Mathematical Thinking
• Fluency
• Variation    

Implementation 

At Queensgate Foundation Primary School children have daily maths lessons which  follow the national curriculum. This is supported by a range of quality resources such  as White Rose Maths, NECTM and Number Sense Maths. Lessons are engaging and  sequenced carefully to ensure that knowledge and skills build on previous learning. 

Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract 

Children engage with a range of  manipulatives, pictorial representations and abstract methodologies which are a  fundamental part of mastery in learning. These serve to strengthen conceptual  understanding. 

Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving 

Lessons include opportunities to  develop fluency skills and build on knowledge and understanding which can then be  applied to increasingly complex reasoning and problem-solving activities. The Polya  Model approach to problems solving is used throughout the school. This provides a  structured scaffold and encourages children to use annotations and jottings in their  work. 

Vocabulary 

A high priority is given to vocabulary to ensure that children are  exposed to, familiar with and using correct mathematical vocabulary. Stem sentences are used to support and encourage all children to express and communicate understanding with clarity. 

Times Tables

We are committed to ensuring that all children are secure in their knowledge of times tables and related division facts. Times table are taught  regularly. The Number Sense Fluency in Times Tables Programme is implemented.  This provides structure and depth to the teaching of times tables to enable children  to achieve fluency in essential multiplication and division facts and concepts. Fluent  recall is practised through using Time Table Rock Stars. 

Number Sense Maths

The Number Sense Maths scheme is taught from EYFS  through to Year 3 in daily 15-minute sessions. This scheme provides a systematic,  structured teaching approach which develops confidence and flexibility with  number and fluency in addition and subtraction facts. The Numbots programme  is used in KS1 as a tool to ensure all children achieve understanding, recall and  fluency in mental addition and subtraction, so that they can move from counting  to calculating.

CPD

All staff regularly undertake high quality CPD to ensure that they have the  confidence, skills and knowledge required. This is achieved through subject leaders,  external courses and support consultants. Best practice is shared between staff and  all CPD is used to inform teaching and learning.  

Impact

At Queensgate the children understand the relevance and importance of their  learning in relation to real world concepts. Children have a positive view of maths  and they know that it is reasonable to make mistakes and that this will in fact serve  to strengthen their learning. Children show resilience and are happy to ‘have a go.’  They are able to confidently choose the equipment and strategies they think are best  suited to each task. Both internal and external moderation processes are  implemented to ensure all teachers have a firm grasp of curriculum expectations and  pitch together with opportunities to access best practice and initiatives. 

Formative Assessment 

Teachers carry out formative assessments through AFL in each session giving children  live feedback and guidance. Teachers are able to use this assessment to inform  planning and identify those children in need of further challenge or those needing  additional support. Interventions are implemented as necessary. From Year 2 to Year  6 a range of low stakes testing checks are used regularly to monitor progress in both  arithmetic and times tables.

Summative Assessment and Data

Assessments tests are completed by children at the end of each block using  Headstart Primary Assessment Tests. These assessments serve to monitor progress,  inform future planning and help to pinpoint areas or misconceptions that would  benefit from further support or intervention. Throughout year, children in Year 6  carry out practise and ‘mock’ SATS style tests. Data from both these assessment  procedures is entered on to a central system and is monitored and analysed by the  maths subject leaders and SLT.

Subject Monitoring 

Subject leaders regularly monitor the quality and impact of the maths curriculum  through pupil conferencing, learning walks and book looks. Staff are supported  through regular CPD and sharing of external guidance or experience of best practice.