Curriculum Intent: the Ladder of Knowledge and Skills Progression
Our Mathematics curriculum is a bespoke, ambitiously sequenced ladder of learning. We believe that Mathematics is a cumulative subject; therefore, our curriculum is designed to build systematically on prior learning, ensuring that each new concept is anchored in a firm understanding of what came before.
- Substantive Knowledge: we prioritise the mastery of foundational facts, such as number bonds and times tables, to achieve automaticity.
- Disciplinary Knowledge: by securing basic skills first, we free up pupils’ cognitive load, allowing them to develop the logical reasoning and abstract thinking required for complex problem-solving.
- Ambition for All: our ladder approach ensures that all pupils, including those with SEND, have the scaffolding necessary to access the full breadth of the National Curriculum.
Implementation: securing knowledge and identifying gaps
We employ a mastery-led approach to teaching and learning, where concepts are broken down into small, logical steps.
- Retrieval Practice & Fluency: to ensure learning moves from working memory to long-term memory, we utilise regular retrieval practice. From Year 1 onwards, we integrate Numeracy Ninjas as a core component of our daily routine. This high-impact strategy empowers pupils to bridge gaps in their mental strategies and reinforces the basic skills essential for mathematical proficiency and automaticity.
- The Keep Up Model: we use responsive, formative assessment to identify misconceptions in real-time. Through responsive formative assessment, we identify gaps in understanding at the point of learning. We provide timely interventions to ensure that these misconceptions are addressed and essential knowledge is secured before the 'ladder of learning' moves upward
- CPA Approach: in EYFS and across all key stages, we use Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract representations to ensure that immersion in Maths leads to deep conceptual understanding, not just procedural flair.
Impact: successful learners
The impact of our curriculum is evidenced by pupils who are fluent, technical and confident mathematicians.
- Secured Foundations: our pupils leave each key swith a robust bank of mathematical facts and the ability to recall them with speed and precision.
- Analytical Thinkers: since the basics are secure, our pupils can articulate their reasoning using precise mathematical vocabulary and apply their skills to unfamiliar investigations.
- Readiness for the Next Stage: through the systematic ladder of our bespoke curriculum, we ensure that every child—regardless of their starting point—is secondary-ready and possesses the functional skills required for life beyond the classroom.
Maths Resources
http://primarygamesarena.com/
https://www.bbc.com/education/
https://www.bbc.com/education/
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/