Intent
At Larwood, we view maths as an essential life skill and aim to deliver an accessible, engaging, and purposeful curriculum that enables all children to succeed and develop confidence in their mathematical abilities. We want pupils to enjoy maths, embrace challenges, and build resilience so they are well-prepared for the next steps in life.
Our approach focuses on fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving, ensuring pupils can apply mathematical knowledge and concepts in a variety of contexts. We encourage children to explore maths in depth, use precise mathematical vocabulary, and explain their reasoning clearly. Pupils learn through concrete resources, pictorial representations, and abstract methods, developing a secure understanding of concepts. Mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, and perseverance is actively promoted.
Implementation
Children study mathematics daily, following a broad and balanced curriculum that includes number, calculation, geometry, measures, and statistics. We use White Rose Maths as the foundation for planning and sequencing lessons, ensuring coverage of the National Curriculum and progression across year groups.
In KS1, we also implement the Mastering Number programme, which strengthens pupils’ understanding of number and number relationships through daily short sessions. This supports fluency and confidence with core number facts.
Across the school, we incorporate strategies from Maths Mastery, focusing on small steps, conceptual understanding, and varied representations to deepen learning. Teachers use high-quality resources such as Numicon, Cuisenaire rods, and place value counters to support concrete learning before moving to pictorial and abstract methods.
Pre-teaching and post-teaching sessions take place during Essentials time to close gaps and reinforce understanding. Teachers plan lessons using long-term and medium-term frameworks, building in time for assessment and consolidation.
We have a whole-school calculation policy that outlines progression in written and mental methods, ensuring consistency and continuity. Staff receive regular training in problem-solving strategies, such as bar modelling, and actively model these approaches in lessons.
Impact
Impact is measured through ongoing assessment, monitoring of progress, and evaluation of teaching and learning. Teachers adapt planning and provide targeted interventions to ensure all pupils make good progress. Essentials sessions and in-class interventions address gaps promptly.
The maths leader monitors teaching quality and pupil outcomes, providing feedback and support to ensure high standards. Pupils leave Larwood with secure knowledge of key concepts, confidence in applying their skills, and the ability to reason and problem-solve effectively. They are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and equipped with the mathematical skills needed for life.
