Maths Learning at Batchley First School
At our school, we believe that all children can succeed in mathematics. We follow a mastery approach, which focuses on developing deep understanding, confidence and enjoyment in maths for every pupil.
Our Vision for Mathematics
Our aim is for children to:
- Become confident and fluent mathematicians
- Develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts
- Reason mathematically and explain their thinking clearly
- Apply their knowledge to solve problems
We prioritise depth over speed, ensuring pupils build secure foundations before moving on.
Our Mathematics Curriculum
Our mathematics curriculum is:
- Carefully sequenced using the NCETM progression maps
- Planned through clear year group overviews to ensure progression and coherence
- Supported by White Rose Maths, which we adapt to meet the needs of our pupils rather than follow as a scheme
All pupils study the same core mathematical content, with teaching adapted to support and challenge as needed.
How Maths Is Taught
Lessons follow a consistent structure across the school:
Do It – Fluency
Children practise key skills and methods to build accuracy, efficiency and confidence.
Secure It – Reasoning
Children deepen understanding by explaining their thinking, justifying answers and identifying misconceptions (for example, spot the mistake activities).
Deepen It – Problem-Solving
Children apply their learning to solve more complex or unfamiliar problems, making connections between ideas.
This structure helps children move from understanding to application.
Mathematical Talk and Oracy
We place a strong emphasis on talking about maths.
- Children use stem sentences to explain ideas clearly.
- Partner talk is used regularly so pupils can discuss, explain and refine their thinking.
- Strategies from Voice 21 and WalkThrus support high-quality classroom discussion.
This helps children develop precise mathematical vocabulary and confidence in explaining their reasoning.
Assessment and Support
Assessment for learning is embedded in every lesson through:
- Questioning
- Live marking and immediate feedback
- Show-me boards
Teachers use this information to adapt lessons, address misconceptions and provide timely support or challenge.
Children are not taught in fixed ability groups. Instead, flexible groupings and adaptive teaching ensure all pupils can succeed.
Professional Development and Expertise
Our maths teaching is informed by national best practice.
- The school works closely with GLOW Maths Hub as part of the Teaching for Mastery programme.
- Staff engage in regular professional development and hub-led training.
- Teaching is supported by visits and guidance from a mastery specialist.
- The NCETM Five Big Ideas (coherence, representation and structure, variation, mathematical thinking and fluency) underpin our approach.
This ensures our teaching is research-informed and continually improving.
Impact
As a result of our approach:
- Children are confident and enthusiastic about mathematics
- Pupils can explain their thinking clearly and use accurate mathematical language
- Learning is consistent across the school, while remaining responsive to pupil need
- Children develop strong foundations that prepare them well for future learning
Maths Lead: C Mountain (NPQM)
