Mathematics
At Thringstone Primary School, our aim is for every child to become a confident mathematical thinker. We want children to select efficient strategies, reason mathematically and solve problems in a range of real-life contexts. Practical resources, discussion and problem-solving activities help children make strong links between their learning and the world around them.
How We Teach Maths
We follow a Mastery approach so that all children build deep understanding rather than surface recall. Lessons are carefully sequenced and give every child time to explore ideas, practise fluency and apply reasoning.
Children are taught through the key areas of Number, Measurement and Geometry, and from Year 2 onwards, Statistics. Across all phases, visual models, manipulatives and mathematical vocabulary are used to secure understanding and support independence.
We use two main teaching programmes:
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White Rose Maths for structured small-step progression across the year
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Mastering Number (EYFS and KS1) for building strong number sense and fluency
Our approach follows three clear stages of representation:
Concrete – using practical resources and manipulatives to explore concepts
Pictorial – using diagrams, images and drawings to represent ideas
Abstract – using numbers and symbols with confidence and understanding
This CPA model (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) helps children understand why maths works, not just how.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the Early Years, children take part in four Mastering Number sessions each week, focusing on number, counting and subitising. The fifth weekly session explores Shape, Space and Measure through White Rose Maths units.
Children learn to count, recognise patterns and understand relationships between numbers through practical, hands-on experiences. They use everyday objects to build a secure understanding of numbers to 10 and the composition of each number.
By the end of Reception, most children can count confidently, subitise to 5 and recall number bonds to 5 and some to 10. They also begin to recognise patterns such as odds and evens and understand simple addition and subtraction.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children continue with four short Mastering Number sessions each week to secure fluency and recall of number facts. In addition, they take part in a daily White Rose Maths lesson covering number, calculation, shape, measure and statistics.
Children use practical equipment, visual models and discussion to explore ideas. By the end of Year 2, they know number bonds to 20, can use place value to add and subtract, and are beginning to reason about mathematical relationships.
Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)
Children develop efficiency with written and mental methods for the four operations and build secure knowledge of place value. They explore fractions, simple decimals and measurement through problem-solving and reasoning activities.
By the end of Year 4, children have memorised all multiplication and division facts up to 12 × 12 and use them confidently in more complex problems.
Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6)
Children extend their understanding of the number system to include larger integers, fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio. They solve multi-step problems and begin to use algebra as a tool for reasoning.
In geometry and measure, they work with precision and accuracy, classifying shapes and using mathematical language to describe properties and relationships. By the end of Year 6, children are fluent in written methods for all four operations and apply these confidently in new contexts.
Mathematical Stories and Picture Books
Stories are a powerful way to build mathematical understanding. We use a range of picture books across the curriculum to help children explore number, pattern and shape in meaningful ways.
For more ideas, visit Early Maths – Picture Book Recommendations.