Intent
At Hardwicke, we believe that mathematical understanding is essential for our pupils' academic success and everyday problem-solving. Our teaching of mathematics aligns with our school vision: Do everything in love, Together we Love, Learn & Live.
We aim to develop a love of mathematics by fostering curiosity, resilience, and confidence in problem-solving. Through a well-structured and engaging curriculum, we ensure all children acquire fundamental mathematical skills, including fluency, reasoning, and the ability to apply mathematics in real-world contexts. We encourage pupils to see mathematics as a creative and interconnected discipline that provides them with the tools to explore and interpret the world around them.
Implementation
Mathematics at Hardwicke is taught daily following a sequenced and progressive curriculum that aligns with the National Curriculum. Our curriculum builds on prior knowledge and skills across the key stages, ensuring a deep and sustained understanding of mathematical concepts.
At Hardwicke, we embed the Five Big Ideas of Teaching for Mastery into our mathematics curriculum to ensure that all pupils develop a deep and sustainable understanding of mathematical concepts. These principles guide our teaching and curriculum design, ensuring that pupils build strong foundations and progress with confidence.
1. Coherence
We carefully sequence lessons so that small steps build progressively towards a deep understanding. Each lesson connects with prior learning, ensuring that pupils can see the bigger picture. Teachers use questioning, modelling, and guided practice to develop understanding and avoid cognitive overload.
2. Representation & Structure
We use the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach to help pupils develop a secure understanding of mathematical concepts. Manipulatives such as base ten blocks, number lines, and bar models support children in visualising mathematical relationships before moving to abstract methods.
3. Fluency
Fluency is developed through daily arithmetic practice, mental maths, and number fact recall. We ensure pupils can recall key mathematical facts quickly and apply them efficiently in different contexts. Programmes such as Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) and Mastering Number reinforce fluency in number bonds and multiplication tables.
4. Variation
Our teaching ensures that pupils experience procedural variation (different methods for solving the same problem) and conceptual variation (understanding different ways of representing the same concept). By exploring multiple strategies and representations, pupils develop flexibility in their thinking and problem-solving.
5. Mathematical Thinking
We encourage pupils to explain their reasoning, justify their answers, and make connections between mathematical ideas. Through rich discussions, problem-solving tasks, and investigations, pupils develop their ability to think mathematically and apply their knowledge in new situations.
How This Is Embedded in Our Curriculum
Our daily mathematics lessons follow a mastery approach, ensuring deep learning and secure understanding.
We use high-quality resources such as White Rose Maths and NCETM materials to support our teaching.
Reasoning and problem-solving are woven into every lesson, helping pupils to develop confidence in justifying their answers.
Children are flexible in their approach to solving problems and recognsie that there are multiple ways to find solutions and explain their understanding.
We use assessment for learning to identify misconceptions early and provide targeted support.
Adaptive teaching strategies ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, have access to high-quality mathematical learning experiences.
By embedding these Five Big Ideas, we ensure that pupils at Hardwicke develop not only mathematical proficiency but also a love for the subject that prepares them for future learning and real-world applications
Progression through the Key Stages:
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In EYFS, mathematics is taught through practical, hands-on experiences. Children develop a strong foundation in number sense, counting, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness. Play-based learning and continuous provision allow children to explore mathematical concepts in meaningful contexts.
Key Stage 1 (KS1)
In KS1, we build on early number skills by deepening pupils’ understanding of place value, number bonds, and basic arithmetic operations. Pupils are introduced to reasoning and problem-solving through practical activities and real-world scenarios. The use of concrete, pictorial, and abstract (CPA) approaches supports conceptual understanding.
Key Stage 2 (KS2)
In KS2, children further develop their fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. They engage in deeper mathematical thinking, learning to apply their knowledge to more complex problems. Lessons are structured to reinforce prior learning while introducing new concepts in a logical and progressive way.
Across the school, we follow the White Rose Maths small steps, which provides a coherent framework for teaching and ensures consistency in learning. This approach promotes mastery by allowing children to explore mathematical concepts in depth before moving on. Teachers use a range of strategies, including live modelling, guided practice, and adaptive teaching to support all learners. Our curriculum
We prioritise reasoning and problem-solving, enabling children to articulate their thought processes and apply their knowledge confidently. Regular formative assessments and high-quality feedback support pupils in identifying areas for improvement and achieving their full potential.
Fluency in Mathematics
At Hardwicke, we recognise the importance of fluency in mathematics. Pupils are provided with regular opportunities to practise and consolidate their skills through:
Fluency sessions to reinforce core mathematical skills and to ensure gaps in understanding are addressed.
Key Instant Recall Facts (KIRFs) are integrated into the curriculum daily (see progression below).
Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) and Numbots to support rapid recall of multiplication and number facts.
Impact
The effectiveness of our mathematics curriculum is measured through various qualitative and quantitative indicators:
Quality of Mathematical Understanding: Pupils' work demonstrates a clear grasp of mathematical concepts, fluency in calculations, and the ability to reason and problem-solve effectively.
Pupil Outcomes: We aim to support all our pupils to achieve age-related expectations and greater depth in mathematics and for that to be consistently above national averages.
Pupil Engagement: Observations and pupil voice surveys indicate high levels of enthusiasm and confidence in mathematics. Pupils enjoy problem-solving and applying their learning in meaningful ways.
Progress Over Time: Tracking and monitoring show that all groups, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, make significant progress in mathematics from their starting points. Our inclusive approach ensures all learners thrive.
At Hardwicke, our commitment to the intent, implementation, and impact of our mathematics curriculum ensures that pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to excel in mathematics, preparing them for lifelong learning and success.