Mathematics at White Rock

At White Rock we love to have fun with our Maths learning! Everyday we experience our Maths learning through problem solving, which enables us to apply our Maths knowledge and understanding to real life situations. We have a real focus on Mathematical thinking and reasoning, using models and images to help us.

INTENT

At White Rock, we believe every child can achieve in mathematics. Through our mathematics curriculum, we develop confident, fluent and resilient mathematicians who can reason, problem solve and apply their learning in a range of contexts. Our carefully sequenced curriculum builds knowledge in small, manageable steps, enabling pupils to develop deep conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency. Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, make connections and use precise mathematical language, ensuring they leave White Rock with a secure foundation for future learning and everyday life. There is a clear, shared understanding of how concrete, pictorial and abstract representations support pupils in developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Our mathematics curriculum is designed around the principle of one ambitious curriculum for all. Through carefully sequenced learning, responsive teaching and regular checks for understanding, all pupils are supported to access, participate in and succeed in mathematics without lowering expectations. As a school, we believe that inclusion and high expectations go hand in hand in allowing every child to succeed in mathematics.

IMPLEMENTATION

We teach mathematics daily using the Ark Curriculum Plus scheme, which provides a coherent and knowledge-rich progression from Reception to Year 6. Lessons are carefully sequenced and build on prior learning, with explicit teaching, modelling, guided practice and independent application being a focus through every lesson.

Regular retrieval practice and fluency sessions help pupils secure key number facts and mathematical procedures. Reasoning and problem solving are embedded throughout lessons, with pupils encouraged to justify their thinking and explore different methods. Teachers use questioning, checks for understanding and ongoing assessment to identify misconceptions and adapt teaching accordingly. Targeted support ensure all pupils can access and succeed in the ambitious curriculum.

IMPACT

Assessment is used continuously to inform teaching and identify next steps in learning. Through regular checks for understanding, exit tasks and curriculum assessments, teachers are able to address misconceptions and close gaps quickly.

As a result, pupils develop strong mathematical knowledge, fluency and confidence. They can explain their reasoning, apply their learning to unfamiliar problems and use mathematical vocabulary accurately. Children leave White Rock as capable, enthusiastic mathematicians who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Fluency at White Rock

At White Rock, we aim for every child to become proficient in mathematics with their number and times tables facts. Our fluency teaching is developed to allow children to make progress throughout the Maths curriculum, and in other subjects such as Design and Technology when finding the area and perimeter of shapes they are making, using their rapid recall of facts. To allow for it to be a manageable task to learn these facts, each of the tables have been divided into yearly and termly blocks.

As part of our learning, we use many different tools to support our times table learning including:

• Completing fluency booklets and chanting the answers as a class
• Times tables songs – A link has been attached below to BBC supermovers
• Times Tables Rockstars – Children have access to their individual accounts and has a carefully sequenced programme to help children learn their times tables.
• Hit the button – An interactive game

Multiplication Tables Check

In Year 4, children will complete the Multiplication Tables Check which is a national check to allow teachers and schools to identify any gaps in children’s tables knowledge. This information is shared with parents, along with your child’s end of year report. Please find below parental guidance about the test and information shared during the ‘Multiplication Tables Check Parent Meeting and Fluency Session’.

Maths working walls

During our Maths learning, we create a working wall to help support the children's knowledge and retention. Have a look at some of these below - 

Home learning

You may find the links below useful to support your child's Maths learning at home. These websites can be used independently by children to consolidate what they have learned in class.