Maths at Martock School

At Martock School, we believe that mathematics is an essential life skill that develops logical thinking, problem solving and resilience. Our maths curriculum is designed to be inclusive, ambitious and engaging, enabling all children to become confident and capable mathematicians.

Our approach to teaching maths is underpinned by our school values of Ready, Respectful and Safe, ensuring that children are prepared to learn, respectful in their thinking and collaboration, and confident to take risks and learn from mistakes.

School Aims

Our aims in mathematics are to ensure that all children:

• Develop a secure understanding of key mathematical concepts

• Become fluent in the fundamentals of maths

• Can reason mathematically and solve problems with confidence

• Use mathematical language accurately and clearly

• Enjoy maths and see its relevance in everyday life

We aim for children to leave Martock School with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the next stage of their education.

Subject Vision

Intent
Our maths curriculum is designed to be coherent, progressive and inclusive, allowing children to build deep and secure mathematical understanding over time. We prioritise fluency, reasoning and problem solving, ensuring that learning builds systematically on prior knowledge. We recognise that children come to maths with different starting points and plan carefully to address gaps and challenge all learners.

Implementation

• In Reception, practical and hands-on maths inputs are delivered using White Rose, supporting children to develop early number sense through concrete experiences.

• In Years 1–6, we follow the Hamilton Trust maths scheme, chosen for its clear progression and spiral curriculum, which revisits and embeds key concepts over time. This scheme has been fully implemented since our last inspection.

• Each unit begins with a ‘blue task’, which assesses prior knowledge and informs planning and targeted support.

• At the end of each unit, children complete a ‘pink task’ to assess retention and understanding of key concepts.

• All classes complete daily fluency sessions, focusing on five key areas of maths. These sessions are progressive across the year and include reasoning and word problems to deepen understanding.

• Times tables are a key priority across the school. We follow a clear and structured progression starting in Year 2, ensuring children are well prepared for the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check.

Teaching incorporates high-quality modelling, mathematical talk, concrete and pictorial representations, and opportunities for independent and collaborative learning.

Impact
Children make strong progress from their starting points and develop confidence, accuracy and resilience in maths. Regular assessment ensures misconceptions are addressed promptly and learning is embedded securely. By the time children leave Martock School, they demonstrate fluency, can reason mathematically, and apply their knowledge effectively to solve problems.

Communication with Stakeholders

We value strong partnerships with parents and carers and believe these are vital to children’s success in maths. Communication takes place through curriculum information, parent meetings, reports and informal discussions. We provide guidance on how maths is taught and how families can support learning at home, including fluency and times tables practice.

Staff work collaboratively to ensure consistency and progression across year groups, sharing best practice and using assessment information to support all learners.

Meeting Ofsted Expectations

Our maths provision aligns with the Ofsted focus on curriculum intent, implementation and impact. We ensure that:

• The curriculum is ambitious, well sequenced and inclusive

• Teaching supports deep understanding rather than surface learning

• Assessment is purposeful and informs teaching

• Children demonstrate positive attitudes, perseverance and pride in their work

Through reflective practice and ongoing development, we continue to refine our maths curriculum to ensure all children at Martock School achieve their full potential.