Mathematics
Please find below more information regarding Mathematics at Orchard Grove Primary School
“Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.” Shakuntala Devi
At Orchard Grove, we are committed to developing confident, capable mathematicians through a mastery approach to teaching and learning. In partnership with the Boolean Maths Hub, we continuously refine our practice to ensure that all pupils gain a deep, secure and connected understanding of mathematical concepts.
We believe mathematics is essential to everyday life and that all pupils should develop the confidence and ability to apply their mathematical knowledge in a wide range of contexts. Our intention is for every child to reach their full potential and be fully prepared for the next stage of their education.
At Orchard Grove, we are continuously striving towards teaching for mastery in mathematics. Our curriculum is built around the three key aims of the National Curriculum: fluency (secure it), reasoning (twist it) and problem solving (deepen it), alongside the Five Big Ideas of Teaching for Mastery Five Big Ideas . Pupils are supported to secure core skills (fluency), explain and justify their thinking (reasoning), and apply their understanding in a variety of contexts (problem solving). We prioritise depth over speed, ensuring children fully grasp concepts before moving on. This ensures that children have a deep understanding of concepts before progressing onto new learning.
Mathematics at Orchard Grove is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum, where learning is broken down into small, manageable steps. Each concept is explored in depth thorough decomposition of each composite element of the curriculum into specific components, allowing children to make connections across topics and build strong foundations. This enables each piece of knowledge to be mastered. Regular opportunities to revisit prior learning - through EYFS starters and maths meetings in Key Stages 1 and 2 - ensure knowledge and concepts are embedded and retained.
A key feature of our teaching is the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) approach. Children are first introduced to new concepts through hands-on resources, before moving to pictorial representations and then abstract methods. Daily practice of arithmetic and key skills, including place value, the four operations and fractions, supports fluency and recall.
Lessons are delivered through a combination of whole-class teaching and targeted support, ensuring all learners are both supported and challenged. Carefully planned questioning, high-quality resources and reasoning opportunities enable pupils to articulate their thinking and deepen their understanding. Additional support, including pre-teaching and same-day interventions, ensures misconceptions are addressed promptly and no child is left behind.
The Mastering Number programme further strengthens fluency across the school - forming part of early maths provision in Reception, whole-class teaching in Key Stage 1 and targeted support in Key Stage 2.
As a result of our approach, children at Orchard Grove:
Develop a secure understanding of key mathematical concepts
Confidently use mathematical language to explain their thinking
Show resilience and a willingness to take risks in their learning
Make connections across different areas of mathematics and beyond
Take pride in their work and achieve well
We strive to create an environment where mathematics is engaging, enjoyable and inclusive. Children understand that making mistakes is part of learning and are encouraged to explore, investigate and ask questions. By the time they leave Orchard Grove, pupils are fluent, thoughtful and confident mathematicians, equipped with the skills and mindset needed for future learning and everyday life.
To support your child’s Maths learning we recommend the 1 Minute White Rose Maths Apps which can be downloaded here.
The calculation guidance and policy below shows the progression of both vocabulary and calculation methods from Reception through to Year 6 so you can see how your child’s learning develops over time. We hope you find these resources helpful and that it supports you in working with your child at home.
BEP mathematics calculation guidance - for parents and carers