Maths in Key Stage 1 and 2 

Here at Willow Farm Primary School we ensure the National Curriculum is covered in full by teaching maths through a mastery approach.

In 2019 we started to use 'White Rose' (WR) resource to support the teaching of maths. It is a scheme of work written to meet the requirements of the 2014 English National Curriculum. Teachers use WR as the main spine of their maths teaching, augmenting and modifying it with additional resources and strategies in line with children's needs and stage of development.

What Is Maths Mastery?

Teaching maths for mastery is a transformational approach to maths teaching which stems from high performing Asian nations such as Singapore. When taught to master maths, children develop their mathematical fluency without resorting to rote learning and are able to solve non-routine maths problems without having to memorise procedures.

A NEW WAY OF THINKING AND TEACHING

WHOLE CLASS MOVES THROUGH CONTENT AT THE SAME PACE

When teaching maths for mastery, the whole class moves through topics at broadly the same pace. Each topic is studied in depth and the teacher does not move to the next stage until all children demonstrate that they have a secure understanding of mathematical concepts.

TIME TO THINK DEEPLY ABOUT THE MATHS

Students are given time to think deeply about the maths and really understand concepts at a relational level rather than as a set of rules or procedures. This slower pace leads to greater progress because it ensures that students are secure in their understanding and teachers don’t need to revisit topics once they’ve been covered in depth.

BUILDS SELF-CONFIDENCE IN LEARNERS

In a traditional primary school maths lesson, children are put in different groups and given different content based on their anticipated ability. This means that from an early age children are classed as those who can and can’t “do maths”. Teaching maths for mastery is different because it offers all pupils access to the full maths curriculum. This inclusive approach, and its emphasis on promoting multiple methods of solving a problem, builds self-confidence and resilience in pupils.

DIFFERENTIATES THROUGH DEPTH RATHER THAN ACCELERATION

Though the whole class goes through the same content at the same pace, there is still plenty of opportunity for differentiation. Unlike the old model, where advanced learners are accelerated through new content, those pupils who grasp concepts quickly are challenged with rich and sophisticated problems within the topic. Those children who are not sufficiently fluent are provided additional support to consolidate their understanding before moving on.

Please find documentation on how the Maths curriculum is taught throughout school below: