Mathematics

Intent, Implementation, and Impact of Maths at Twineham Church of England Primary School
 
 
Intent
 
At Twineham, we believe that every child is a gift and every child is gifted. Our maths curriculum, based on White Rose Maths, ensures all children develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Through our core values of Nurture, Togetherness, Resilience, and Creativity, we aim to inspire confident mathematicians who enjoy problem-solving and can apply their learning in real life.
 
Implementation
 
As a small rural school with mixed-year classes, we carefully adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of all learners, including those with SEND. We prioritise the use of concrete resources (such as cubes and counters) and pictorial representations (like number lines and bar models) to help children build a secure understanding before moving on to abstract methods. To develop fluency, children regularly practise key skills, including using Times Table Rockstars to master multiplication facts. In KS2, children are encouraged to mark their own work, helping them take ownership of their learning and recognise their progress.
 
Impact
 
By the time children leave Twineham, they have developed strong problem-solving and reasoning skills, along with the confidence to tackle new challenges. Our approach ensures that all pupils, regardless of ability, make good progress and develop a positive attitude towards maths. Most importantly, they leave us understanding that maths is not just about numbers – it’s about thinking, resilience, and creativity, all of which will help them in the wider world.
 
 
An Introduction to White Rose Maths at Twineham Church of England Primary School
 
At Twineham Church of England Primary School, we believe that every child is a gift and every child is gifted. This belief underpins our approach to teaching maths, where we ensure that all children develop a deep, lasting understanding of mathematical concepts. To support this, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which provides a structured, high-quality curriculum designed to help children master maths in an engaging and meaningful way.
 
What is White Rose Maths?
 
White Rose Maths is a research-based approach to teaching mathematics that aims to develop a strong foundation in key concepts. It is designed to ensure children progress through maths in a way that builds both confidence and competence, using small, well-sequenced steps. The scheme is structured around the principles of fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving, ensuring that children not only learn how to perform calculations but also understand the reasoning behind them and apply their skills in different contexts.
 
What Does the Curriculum Cover?
 
The White Rose Maths curriculum covers all the key areas of mathematics from Early Years to Year 6. These include:
  • Number – Developing a strong understanding of place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Fractions, Decimals & Percentages – Learning how to work with parts of numbers and their relationships.
  • Measurement – Exploring concepts such as length, mass, capacity, time, and money.
  • Geometry – Understanding shapes, symmetry, angles, and position and direction.
  • Statistics – Learning how to interpret and represent data.
  • Algebra (KS2) – Introducing early algebraic thinking, such as sequences and simple formulae.
The curriculum is designed to revisit topics over time, ensuring that knowledge is reinforced and deepened.
 
The CPA Approach: Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract
 
One of the key aspects of White Rose Maths is the CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) approach. This method helps children build a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts by progressing through three stages:
  1. Concrete – Children first use physical objects (such as counters, cubes, and number rods) to help them understand mathematical ideas in a hands-on way.
  2. Pictorial – Next, they use drawings or diagrams (such as bar models and number lines) to represent problems visually.
  3. Abstract – Finally, they move on to working with numbers and symbols alone, applying their knowledge to written calculations and problem-solving.
This progression ensures that children grasp concepts fully rather than just memorising methods, supporting all learners, including those who may find maths more challenging.
 
How Does White Rose Maths Reflect Our School Values?
 
Our school values of Nurture, Togetherness, Resilience, and Creativity are at the heart of how we teach maths at Twineham.
  • Nurture – We create a safe and supportive environment where all children can grow in confidence. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, helping pupils to develop a positive mindset towards maths.
  • Togetherness – Collaborative learning is encouraged, with children working together to explore mathematical ideas, discuss solutions, and support one another in their learning.
  • Resilience – Maths can sometimes be challenging, but our curriculum encourages children to persevere, think critically, and develop problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.
  • Creativity – Maths is not just about numbers; it’s about exploring patterns, making connections, and finding different ways to solve problems. Our approach encourages children to think flexibly and creatively in their mathematical reasoning.
Supporting Fluency with Times Table Rockstars
 
To help children develop quick and accurate recall of key number facts, we use Times Table Rockstars, an engaging online platform that makes practising multiplication fun and motivating. Fluency in times tables is essential as it supports more advanced mathematical thinking, allowing children to tackle more complex problems with confidence.
 
Encouraging Independent Learning in KS2
 
As children progress through Key Stage 2, they are encouraged to mark their own work at times, helping them gain valuable insights into their understanding. This approach promotes self-reflection and independence, reinforcing our belief that every child is capable of taking ownership of their learning.
How Can Parents Support Maths Learning at Home?
Parents play a crucial role in helping children develop a positive attitude towards maths. Here are a few ways you can support your child:
  • Encourage a growth mindset – Praise effort rather than results and remind your child that mistakes are part of learning.
  • Use everyday maths – Engage your child in real-life maths activities, such as measuring ingredients when cooking, working out change when shopping, or reading timetables.
  • Practise mental maths – Quick recall of number facts can help children feel more confident in maths lessons.
  • Explore problem-solving together – Play maths games, solve puzzles, and encourage discussions about different ways to approach problems.
The Impact of Our Approach
 
By following the White Rose Maths curriculum, we ensure that children leave Twineham with:
  • A deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
  • Strong problem-solving and reasoning skills.
  • Confidence in their ability to tackle challenges.
  • An enjoyment of maths that will support them throughout their education and beyond.
We are proud of our approach to maths and the progress our children make. By working together – school, pupils, and parents – we can ensure that every child at Twineham has the opportunity to develop their full mathematical potential.