Maths Curriculum Rationale

Rationale

At Martock Primary School, we have chosen the Hamilton Maths scheme as the foundation for our mathematics curriculum. This decision is rooted in the scheme's alignment with our school's pedagogical approach and its ability to meet the needs of our diverse pupil population.

The Hamilton Maths scheme is built upon a spiral curriculum, which aligns perfectly with our Martock Pedagogy. This approach emphasises the frequent repetition of core learning, the articulation of knowledge in small, manageable steps, and the active engagement of pupils through hands-on Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) activities. By revisiting key concepts and skills repeatedly, our pupils will have the opportunity to solidify their understanding, address any misconceptions, and make meaningful connections within the mathematics curriculum and beyond.

The scheme's comprehensive coverage of the National Curriculum for Mathematics ensures that our pupils will develop a deep and well-rounded understanding of the subject. The carefully sequenced lessons, accompanied by a wealth of resources and assessment tools, will enable our staff to accurately assess and close learning gaps as they arise, as well as at the end of each unit.

Importantly, the Hamilton Maths scheme provides both support and challenge for our pupils. This aligns with our school's vision of being ambitious for the learning of all children, regardless of their starting points or individual needs. The scheme's differentiated activities and scaffolding will ensure that our pupils with SEND receive the targeted support they require, while the opportunities for stretch and challenge will push our more able mathematicians to reach their full potential.

Whole School Aims

The Maths curriculum at Martock Primary School is fully aligned with our school's vision and values. Our belief in giving all staff and children the chance to flourish in a nurturing environment with excellent opportunities is reflected in the inclusive and aspirational nature of the Hamilton Maths scheme. Furthermore, our core values of Kindness, Perseverance, Respect, and Collaboration are woven throughout the scheme, as pupils are encouraged to work together, support one another, and develop a growth mindset in their approach to mathematics.

Subject Vision

At Martock Primary School, we believe that mathematics is a fundamental life skill that underpins success across the curriculum and in the wider world. Our overarching intent is to equip our pupils with a deep, secure, and flexible understanding of mathematical concepts, enabling them to apply their knowledge confidently in a range of contexts.

By adopting the Hamilton Maths scheme, we aim to address the key improvement priorities identified in our recent Ofsted inspection. The scheme's focus on building a solid foundation in number and arithmetic skills will help us to improve the progress, outcomes, and independence of our SEND pupils, who were previously over-reliant on adult support. Additionally, the scheme's emphasis on developing conceptual understanding and making connections will support our efforts to raise attainment and outcomes in the Early Years, where our pupils have been found to be less aspirational in their learning.

Communication with Stakeholders

To ensure the successful implementation of the Hamilton Maths scheme, we will engage in clear and regular communication with all stakeholders, including staff, pupils, and parents/carers. We will celebrate the learning which the children engage in and offer opportunities to join in with the learning during learn along sessions.

For staff, we will provide comprehensive training on the scheme's structure, resources, and pedagogical approach. This will include opportunities for collaborative planning, peer-to-peer observations, and ongoing professional development to enhance subject knowledge and teaching strategies.

For pupils, we will introduce the scheme through engaging assemblies and lessons, highlighting the key features and benefits. We will also encourage them to take an active role in their learning, providing regular feedback and celebrating their progress and achievements.

To involve parents/carers, we will provide information to explain how they can support their children's learning at home. We will also leverage our school's strong focus on community engagement to foster a shared understanding and commitment to our mathematical vision.

Addressing Inspection Feedback

The adoption of the Hamilton Maths scheme directly addresses the key areas for improvement identified in our recent Ofsted inspection.

Firstly, the scheme's clear and sequenced curriculum planning will ensure that we identify and articulate the specific knowledge and skills we want our pupils to learn, from Reception to Year 6. This will address the inspectors' concern that our curriculum planning did not always build on pupils' prior knowledge.

Secondly, the scheme's emphasis on consistent implementation and the development of staff expertise will help us to improve the delivery of the mathematics curriculum across all subjects and age groups. The comprehensive training and support resources provided by Hamilton will enable our teachers to enhance their subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, ensuring that all pupils learn well, including those with SEND.

Finally, the scheme's robust assessment tools and the focus on closing learning gaps will support our efforts to improve the progress and outcomes of our SEND pupils. By accurately matching and scaffolding the learning to their individual needs, we will empower them to develop the independence and confidence they require for the next stage of their learning.