At Marshgate Primary School, we value the importance mathematics plays in everyday life. Our children develop their understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics through varied and frequent practice so that knowledge can be recalled quickly and with accuracy, and applied in different contexts. Our mathematicians are deep thinkers who develop the skills and confidence to be able to solve problems and reason mathematically. We want our children to make meaningful connections across the different areas of mathematics and be inspired to use their knowledge with an understanding of its purpose in the wider world.

The school follows the structure of White Rose Maths Planning documents, ensuring Marshgate Teaching and Learning fulfils all the aims of the National Curriculum. The progression in knowledge and skills is carefully planned to build fluency and deepen understanding of underlying mathematical concepts. Teaching is enhanced by a clear understanding of what children have learnt in previous years and where their learning journey will continue as they progress through key stages in the school.

Children are encouraged to find links with mathematics in other subjects to further develop their understanding of key concepts and where they can be applied. For example, this could be collecting and presenting data in Science, measuring and weighing in DT, or using grid references in Scratch in Computing.

Mathematics in the Early Years Foundation Stage

During the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the essential building blocks of mathematics are established. There are regular opportunities for children to carry out activities across all areas of learning. Children will develop a secure knowledge base and vocabulary, and develop a positive, ‘have a go’ attitude to mathematics.

By the end of the EYFS, children should be able to:

• count objects, actions and sounds.
• Subitise- recognise quantities without counting up to 5.
• link the number symbol with its cardinal number value
• count beyond 20
• compare numbers
• explore and represent patterns within numbers up to 10, including evens and odds, double facts and how quantities can be evenly distributed.
• understand the one more than / one less than relationship between consecutive numbers.
• explore the composition of numbers to 10.
• recall number bonds for numbers 0-5 and some to 10.
• investigate shapes.
• continue, copy and create repeating patterns.

Throughout the year, the EYFS Team run Reception Parent Workshops, including one on Mathematics, to share information on how to further support children at home. Please see the bottom of the Early Years Foundation Stage section on our Curriculum page for the latest ‘Reception Maths Workshop’ Summary.  

Assessment in Mathematics

In mathematics, teachers assess children’s progress by making observations during lessons and discussions as well as using evidence in books. Assessment is used to inform future lessons, ensuring children are supported and challenged appropriately. This can be done at any point during a lesson using retrieval assessment for learning strategies and focused questioning. Work is often self-marked in lessons (using a purple pen) so that children can see their misconceptions and make progress in the moment. Children respond to and correct their mistakes.

At the end of a block of learning or term (whichever is the most appropriate), children in years 1-6 will complete assessments to inform judgements of attainment and progress in mathematics. Age-related expectation levels are reported to parents at the end of each year.

Mathematics is monitored through a variety of strategies, including: planning and book scrutiny, lesson observations and pupil voice activities.