MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM INTENT STATEMENT

INTENT

By the time our pupils leave Butterwick C of E Primary School, we will have equipped them with the necessary skills to become confident mathematicians. Rooted in our Christian vision to ‘do everything in love’ and the values that underpin our school community, we have designed a mastery mathematics curriculum, with a strong emphasis on mastering number, which is accessible for all pupils and maximises the development of every child’s ability and academic achievement. We recognise that a secure understanding of number and the number system forms the essential foundation upon which all mathematical learning is built, enabling pupils to successfully access the wider curriculum and flourish as learners.

We strongly believe that children need to be provided with a deep understanding of mathematics through a Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract approach. Delivering lessons that are practical, creative and engaging reflects our commitment to nurturing curiosity, resilience and a love of learning, encouraging pupils to grow both academically and spiritually within a supportive environment shaped by our Christian ethos.

We believe it is essential for our pupils to have fluent knowledge and rapid recall of number facts and the number system in order to provide a solid foundation for their mathematical journey. These fundamental skills empower children with confidence and independence, reflecting our values of perseverance and courage when faced with challenge. Through varied and frequent practice, children develop fluency in performing written and mental calculations and applying mathematical techniques.

Using a deep understanding of important concepts, we inspire children to make rich connections across mathematical ideas, developing fluency, reasoning, and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. Through this, pupils are encouraged to show respect for different approaches, collaborate effectively, and communicate their thinking clearly, using precise mathematical vocabulary.

Our pupils apply a broad range of skills when using and applying their mathematical knowledge in everyday life. At Butterwick C of E Primary School, we foster the courage to think independently while valuing collaboration and community. In line with our Christian values, pupils are encouraged to persevere, show compassion towards themselves and others when learning is challenging, and recognise the importance of learning from mistakes. Through this, they develop confidence, resilience and a belief in their ability to succeed, enabling them to flourish both within mathematics and beyond.

IMPLEMENTATION

At Butterwick C of E Primary School, a mastery approach underpins the planning, delivery and engagement with mathematics, with a particular emphasis on mastering number as the foundation for all learning. Rooted in our Christian values, we aim to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where every child is encouraged to persevere, show resilience and develop confidence in their mathematical ability.

Mathematics is taught in carefully structured blocks to allow time for depth of understanding, ensuring that pupils develop secure and connected knowledge over time. Spaced learning, including ‘Flashback Four’ morning tasks and teacher-identified questions, enables children to revisit, revise and retain previously taught concepts, strengthening the foundational skills necessary to access more complex areas of the curriculum. This approach reflects our commitment to supporting all learners with patience and care, allowing them to grow in confidence and independence.

We use White Rose Maths to support our mastery approach, providing a coherent and progressive structure that prioritises fluency in number and conceptual understanding. The sequencing of units is carefully designed to enable children to make meaningful connections across different areas of mathematics.

The Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) approach is embedded throughout the school, enabling children to build a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts. By consistently using representations and structures, pupils are supported in making connections and developing confidence in moving towards more abstract thinking. This inclusive approach ensures that all children can access learning, reflecting our belief in nurturing every individual and enabling them to flourish.

Through our teaching, we promote collaboration, respectful discussion and the use of precise mathematical vocabulary, encouraging pupils to articulate their thinking clearly and learn from one another. In line with our Christian ethos, we foster a culture where mistakes are valued as part of the learning journey, helping children to develop resilience, compassion and a belief in their own potential.

IMPACT

The exploration of mathematics at Butterwick C of E Primary School is interactive, engaging and rooted in real-life contexts, enabling children to see the relevance of their learning and supporting the consolidation and retention of knowledge and skills. As a result of our mastery approach, and our strong emphasis on mastering number, pupils develop secure foundational skills that allow them to confidently access and succeed in the wider mathematics curriculum.

Children approach mathematical learning with confidence, resilience and enthusiasm, reflecting our school values. They are willing to take risks, embrace challenge and persevere when faced with unfamiliar problems. Pupils demonstrate a readiness to apply knowledge across different areas of mathematics, selecting appropriate strategies and collaborating effectively with others, showing respect for different methods and ideas.

Over time, pupils’ ability to reason mathematically shows clear progression. They become increasingly confident in articulating their thinking, accurately using and applying mathematical vocabulary, and constructing well-reasoned responses. By the end of each year, children are able to use stem sentences and mathematical language with precision to explain, justify and generalise their ideas, demonstrating a deep and connected understanding of key concepts.

The secure acquisition of number fluency and core mathematical skills ensures that pupils are well-prepared for the next stage of their education. These foundations enable them to tackle more complex mathematical content with confidence and independence, supporting their overall academic success.

Teaching and support staff continually reflect on the impact of the mathematics curriculum, using assessment and professional dialogue to celebrate effective practice and identify areas for development. In line with our ethos of growth and reflection, this ongoing evaluation ensures that teaching remains responsive, inclusive and focused on enabling every child to flourish.