Mathematics is not about numbers, equations, computations or algorithms: it is about understanding.

William Paul Thurston

At St Bernadette School we follow The Early Years Framework and National Curriculum objectives and aims for mathematics. These ensure that all pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, reason mathematically and can solve problems.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a key driver at St Bernadette. We foster this through our discrete maths lessons which are taught in the Foundation Stage and Year 1 on rotation, moving to formal lessons from Year 1 Autumn term 2 all the way to Year 6 where maths is taught daily for a minimum of one hour. However, we also recognise the importance of mathematics as a subject with real-life applications. We believe in integrating it with other subjects to help children understand the practical uses of mathematical concepts. By making cross-curricular links, we ensure that children can apply their maths skills in a wider context and develop a deeper understanding of the subject, whether it's measuring ingredients in a DT lesson or creating a bar graph to represent data collected in Geography

Our intention is to provide all children with full access to the curriculum, enabling them to achieve confidence and competence – ‘mastery’ – in mathematics. We put a great emphasis on ‘understanding’ rather than just ‘learning’ about mathematics. By doing so, we hope to instill a lifelong passion for the subject, empowering our pupils for future academic and professional success. We recognise that this skillset constitutes an essential element of cultural capital.​

We follow the White Rose Maths Hub Scheme of Learning in delivering the curriculum with a mastery approach. This scheme of work is used as a guide to support teachers in breaking down the mathematics curriculum into small steps to ensure our pupils learn about a wide range of mathematical concepts, key skills, key facts and strategies so they are able to use, apply and communicate these in an assured manner.

Teachers have high expectations of every child. They provide a depth of understanding and challenge pupil’s thinking and approach to solving mathematical problems.

A large emphasis is placed on mathematical vocabulary so children can deepen their understanding by explaining, justifying and proving using correct mathematical language.

We stress the importance of being fluent in key facts such as number bonds and multiplication tables. The children complete weekly challenges, testing them on their number bond or times table facts to develop automaticity.