Curriculum Intent

At St Thomas Aquinas School, we believe every child can be a confident mathematician. We follow a Maths Mastery approach, ensuring that children develop deep understanding and fluency rather than simply moving quickly through content. Learning is carefully sequenced, with opportunities to revisit and build on knowledge so that all pupils can secure strong mathematical foundations.

Our curriculum is designed so that pupils:

• Build strong number sense and fluency from the earliest stages.
• Develop the confidence to reason mathematically and explain their thinking.
• See mathematics as an interconnected subject, making links across different areas.
• Become resilient learners who enjoy the challenge of problem-solving.

We work closely with the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) and use their 5 Big Ideas of Mastery – coherence, representation & structure, mathematical thinking, variation and fluency – to shape our teaching and learning. These principles help children make connections, reason mathematically and apply their skills to a wide range of problems.

At St Thomas Aquinas we place a strong emphasis on oracy in maths, encouraging children to articulate their thinking, explain their methods and discuss solutions with others. By talking about their maths, children develop a deeper understanding and grow in confidence as problem-solvers.

Implementation

At St Thomas Aquinas School, mathematics is taught every day to ensure that children have frequent opportunities to practise, revisit and deepen their understanding. Lessons are carefully planned to move in small, connected steps, so that all pupils can achieve success and build confidence. As a school we use White Rose to support our teaching of mathematics as well as resources from NCTEM.

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, we also use in addition to our maths lessons, the Mastering Number programme to give children a strong foundation in number sense. This means they spend time exploring how numbers work, practising number bonds and developing quick recall of key facts. This helps them later when they are solving more complex problems.

In Key Stage 2, children continue to build on these foundations, applying their skills to larger numbers, fractions, decimals and problem-solving tasks. They also learn how different areas of maths connect, such as how knowledge of multiplication supports understanding of area and fractions.

Our calculation policy follows the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) approach to teaching mathematics.  Children may first use objects (counters, cubes, coins), then diagrams or visual models, before moving on to written methods. This helps them understand the why as well as the how.

We also recognise the importance and impact of oracy in maths. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, use full sentences and discuss methods with their classmates. Talking about maths not only builds confidence but also strengthens understanding.

The Maths Mastery 5 Big Ideas in Practice

Our curriculum is carefully designed in conjunction with the NCETM’s 5 Big Ideas of Mastery:

• Coherence – lessons are broken down into small steps to ensure secure understanding for all pupils.
• Representation & Structure – concrete and pictorial resources are used alongside abstract numbers to deepen understanding.
• Mathematical Thinking – children are encouraged to reason, justify and explore patterns in their learning.
• Variation – tasks and examples are varied to highlight connections, challenge thinking and avoid rote learning.
• Fluency – regular practise builds efficiency, accuracy, and confidence in recall and application.

Through this approach, pupils are supported and challenged to master concepts at a deep level before moving on. Our curriculum is inclusive, ambitious and designed to equip children with the mathematical knowledge and skills they need for the future.

Impact

Ultimately, we want our pupils to leave primary school with a deep understanding of mathematics, the ability to reason and the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems with success. Through our Maths Mastery approach, pupils develop the secure foundations needed for future learning, ensuring that knowledge is not just remembered for the short term but truly mastered for life.

We measure the impact of our curriculum in several ways:

• Pupils develop strong fluency with number facts, particularly through the Mastering Number programme in EYFS and KS1.
• Children can explain their reasoning using mathematical language, showing secure conceptual understanding.
• Progression documents, formative assessment and termly assessments show that children are on track to meet or exceed age-related expectations.
• Pupils demonstrate resilience, confidence and enjoyment in mathematics, ready for the next stage of their education.