At St Matthew's Academy maths is taught through a daily lesson, using principles from the White Rose Maths approach. This approach ensures that children experience rich, balanced coverage of the key areas in mathematics:

• Number

• Geometry (shape, space, and measure)

• Data handling

• Using and applying mathematics

In addition to this broad content, we place strong emphasis on:

• Mental calculation

• Mathematical fluency

• Reasoning and problem-solving

How We Teach Maths

To support pupils’ development in mathematical thinking, we sometimes group children within class by ability. These groups are flexible: they change regularly, depending on each child’s particular strengths and areas for development across the main mathematical domains. This ensures that all children are challenged appropriately, and receive the right support at the right time.

We believe:

• It is vital for children not only to do maths, but to understand the underlying processes and strategies.

• Confidence in maths is built when children are encouraged, supported, and gradually stretched in their learning.

Cross-Curricular & Real-Life Maths

Our class teachers also build in opportunities for pupils to apply mathematical skills in other subjects and in real-life contexts. Whether it’s measuring in science, data in geography, or budgeting in a project, we want children to see how maths matters beyond the maths lesson.

Statutory Basis: What the National Curriculum Requires

According to the National Curriculum in England, mathematics teaching at Key Stages 1 and 2 must cover specific statutory programmes of study.  Key expectations include:

• Number & Place Value: Pupils should become fluent with whole numbers, counting, and place value. 

• Four Operations: They should develop efficient mental and written methods for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 

• Fractions, Decimals & Percentages: Pupils must be taught to recognise, compare, and calculate with fractions (and later, decimals) in practical contexts. 

• Measurement: Teaching includes units of length, mass, capacity, time, and money, as well as how to measure and record these. 

• Geometry: Pupils learn about the properties of 2-D and 3-D shapes, as well as position, direction, and turns. 

• Statistics: Children interpret and present data, using pictograms, tables, and other charts. 

Our Goals for Pupils by the End of Primary School

By the end of Key Stage 2, we aim for all children to:

• Be fluent in the four operations, both mentally and on paper

• Understand and use efficient strategies for calculations

• Confidently work with fractions, decimals, percentages, and measurement

• Reason mathematically, making connections between different areas of maths

• Apply their maths learning to solve real-world problems