Maths

At Stanway Fiveways, we are passionate about providing all children with a strong foundation in mathematics. We follow a mastery approach to teaching maths, which means we believe every child can succeed and develop a deep, lasting understanding of mathematical concepts.

Our teaching is guided by the Five Big Ideas of Mastery:

• Coherence – lessons are broken into small, connected steps that gradually unfold the concept.
• Representation and Structure – we use visual and practical tools to help children see the mathematics.
• Mathematical Thinking – we encourage children to think deeply, explore patterns, and make connections.
• Fluency – we build speed and accuracy with number facts and methods through regular practice.
• Variation – we carefully vary examples and questions to deepen understanding and draw attention to key ideas.

We use a CPA approach (Concrete – Pictorial – Abstract), which means children engage with maths using physical resources, visual representations, and abstract symbols, often moving between all three as needed. These approaches are not steps to move through in order, but interconnected ways of exploring and understanding mathematical ideas. Older children or confident learners may return to concrete or pictorial methods to support their thinking when tackling new or complex concepts.

Scaffolds and challenges are used so that every learner is supported and appropriately stretched. Scaffolding may include the use of concrete resources, sentence stems, visual models, or guided practice to help children grasp new ideas. These supports are thoughtfully planned and gradually removed as confidence and understanding grow. At the same time, we provide opportunities for depth and challenge, encouraging children to apply their knowledge in different ways, make connections, and reason about the mathematics they encounter. We believe challenge is not about moving on to the next topic, but about exploring the current one more deeply. By combining high expectations with personalised support, we aim to ensure that all children feel confident, included, and equipped to think mathematically.

Throughout our teaching, we use a range of tools and representations to draw attention to the underlying structures and relationships within maths. Whether it’s using tens frames to explore number bonds, bar models to compare quantities, or number lines to understand place value, these visual and practical strategies help children see the patterns and logic of mathematics more clearly.

Our maths curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills build progressively from year to year. Key concepts are revisited and developed in greater depth over time, helping children to make strong connections and retain their learning.

We also value making maths meaningful by using real-life contexts wherever possible. From measuring in cooking to solving problems about money or time, we aim to show children how maths is used in the world around them. This helps them see the relevance of what they are learning and builds their confidence in applying their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Reasoning and the use of precise mathematical language are central to our lessons. We encourage children to explain their thinking, justify their answers, and use the correct vocabulary from an early age. This not only deepens their understanding but also helps them become articulate, reflective learners.

We subscribe to Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS), NumBots, and Mathletics to support children’s learning both in school and at home. Every child is provided with a personal login and is set tasks that link directly to their year group curriculum. TTRS helps pupils build speed and confidence with times tables through fun, competitive practice. NumBots develops strong number sense and fluency in addition and subtraction, laying solid foundations for future maths learning. Mathletics offers a wide range of interactive activities, games and problem-solving tasks that reinforce class learning and encourage independent practice. Together, these platforms support fluency, confidence and enjoyment in mathematics.

Our aim is to develop confident mathematicians who enjoy the challenge of maths and are well-prepared for the next stage of their learning.

Helpful links:

• Home learning videos - https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/home-learning?year=year-6-new 
• Question booklets - https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/free-downloads
• BBC Bitesize guides - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z826n39
• Maths curriculum - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-mathematics-programmes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-mathematics-programmes-of-study