Mathematics

“If one of you is planning to build a tower, you sit down first and figure out what it will cost, to see if you have enough money to finish the job.”– Luke 14:28

Mathematics teaches us to estimate, calculate and plan carefully so we can solve problems accurately and make wise decisions.

At St Bernadette Primary School, our Mathematics curriculum follows the Early Years Framework and National Curriculum, ensuring all pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, can reason mathematically, and are able to solve problems confidently.

We use the White Rose Maths scheme from EYFS to Year 6, carefully adapted to meet the needs of our pupils. Across the school, mathematics is taught through discrete lessons, beginning with immersive, practical experiences linked to real contexts in the Early Years and Year 1, and progressing to daily lessons in Key Stages 1 and 2, where a mastery approach is used, with concepts taught in small, carefully sequenced steps that build secure and lasting understanding.

High expectations are set for all pupils, with learning designed to deepen understanding, strengthen reasoning, and develop problem-solving skills across a range of contexts. We place a strong emphasis on the development of precise mathematical vocabulary, enabling pupils to explain, justify and prove their thinking clearly. Fluency is developed through regular practice of number facts, including number bonds and times tables, to support accurate and automatic recall.

Where possible, Mathematics is linked across the wider curriculum, helping pupils apply their skills in real-life situations, from measuring length in Design and Technology, to data handling in Computing.

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, our Mathematics curriculum promotes perseverance, responsibility and the dignity of effort by encouraging pupils to develop resilience and learn from mistakes when tackling challenges.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are confident mathematicians with secure number sense, strong reasoning skills and the ability to apply their learning to a wide range of problems and real-life situations.