Maths

The aims of the Maths Curriculum at Frederick Bird Academy are:

• To promote enjoyment of mathematical learning through practical activity, exploration and mathematical discussion
• To inspire a curiosity about mathematics both in the world today and in the future
• To develop fluency in number and in calculations
• To build mathematical reasoning over time through a range of real-life contexts
• To apply their mathematical knowledge to simple and complex problems
• To develop confidence, perseverance and problem- solving skills.

Delivering the Maths Curriculum at Frederick Bird Academy:

Mathematical learning begins in the Early Years, where children experience a range of practical, engaging and purposeful learning opportunities. Through these experiences, children develop important early skills in counting, number, shape, space and measure.

From Year 1 to Year 6, we follow the White Rose Maths curriculum, which provides a coherent journey through the key mathematical concepts and knowledge children need to develop. Our teaching is underpinned by a Maths Mastery approach, giving children the time they need to develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical ideas rather than simply moving on to new content.

We believe that children should experience mathematics in a range of ways. We use concrete resources, pictorial representations and abstract notation to help children make connections and deepen their understanding. Children are encouraged to explore mathematical ideas, explain their thinking, make links between concepts and apply their knowledge to different problems and contexts.

We believe that children should develop a rich understanding of each area of mathematics and should not be rushed through the curriculum. Children who grasp concepts quickly are challenged through rich, challenging problems, reasoning and opportunities to apply their understanding, rather than simply accelerating through new content.

Our mastery approach ensures that all children follow a coherent and appropriately supported journey through mathematical concepts. Carefully planned variation and the use of different representations help children to see mathematical ideas in different ways, make connections and develop a deeper understanding.

Mastering Number

At Frederick Bird Academy, we use the Mastering Number programme from Reception to Year 5 to support children in developing a secure and flexible understanding of number.

Through short, regular sessions, children develop their number sense, fluency and confidence. They explore numbers, patterns and relationships, making connections between different mathematical ideas and developing a deeper understanding of how numbers work.

Mastering Number supports children to develop:

• a secure understanding of number and place value;
• fluent recall of important number facts;
• confidence and flexibility when working with addition and subtraction;
• an understanding of number relationships, patterns and structures; and
• the ability to explain and reason about their mathematical thinking.

Mastering Number complements our wider Maths curriculum and provides children with a strong foundation for their mathematical learning. By developing both fluency and understanding, we aim to help children become confident, flexible and successful mathematicians.

Arithmetic and Mathematical Fluency

We place a strong emphasis on developing children's arithmetic skills and mathematical fluency. These skills are developed regularly within Maths lessons and Mastering Number sessions alongside children's conceptual understanding.

Children have frequent opportunities to practise, reason and apply their mathematical knowledge, helping them to develop secure and efficient strategies and a confident understanding of number.

Our aim is for every child to become a confident, fluent and flexible mathematician who can use their knowledge to solve problems, explain their thinking and make connections across different areas of mathematics.