Maths
Our Shared Vision
At Woodlands, we are committed to building strong mathematical foundations from Nursery to Year 6 so that every child develops into a confident, fluent, and inquisitive mathematician. Through a consistent mastery approach, we ensure all pupils secure a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and can apply their knowledge with flexibility and confidence.
Our maths curriculum is adaptive, inclusive, and engaging, encouraging children to enjoy the challenge of problem solving and to see themselves as capable mathematicians. We aim to foster positive attitudes towards maths, where mistakes are valued as part of learning and every child believes they can succeed.
By developing strong arithmetic fluency and reasoning skills, we prepare our children to use mathematics confidently in their everyday lives and beyond primary school; empowering them to become lifelong, ambitious learners who approach the world with curiosity, logic, and creativity.
Intent
At Woodlands, we want every child to enjoy maths and to feel confident, capable and positive about their learning. From Nursery to Year 6, our aim is to build strong foundations so that all children develop a deep understanding of mathematics and can use it in real life with confidence.
We follow a mastery approach, which means giving children the time and support they need to fully understand each concept. We believe every child can succeed in maths, and we work hard to nurture resilience, curiosity and a ‘have a go’ attitude.
By the time they leave Woodlands, we want all children to be fluent in number, able to reason and explain their thinking, and confident in solving a wide range of problems.
Implementation
At Woodlands, mathematics is implemented through a consistent, well-sequenced and adaptive mastery approach that builds strong foundations and prioritises depth of understanding for every child.
We teach mathematics in small, connected steps that allow pupils to secure each concept before moving on, strengthening retention and enabling children to make meaningful links across the curriculum. Staff use high-quality planning and professional judgement to adapt pacing, revisit gaps and ensure all children keep up, with additional scaffolds or extensions provided as needed.
A central feature of our approach is the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) model:
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Concrete: pupils represent ideas using manipulatives such as counters, bead strings, cubes and base-10 equipment
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Pictorial: children move to visual representations, including part–whole models, number lines and bar models
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Abstract: pupils apply their knowledge using mathematical symbols and formal written methods
This approach ensures that all children, regardless of starting point, experience a clear and secure progression from hands-on exploration to confident abstract understanding.
To further strengthen consistency and quality across the school, we draw on a range of reputable resources, including:
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NCETM Mastering Number to build strong number sense in Early Years and KS1
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First4Maths and White Rose Maths for structured small-step planning and activities
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I See Reasoning and NRICH challenges to deepen understanding and promote critical thinking
Teachers take ownership of their class’s journey, adapting lesson structure and sequence according to ongoing assessment and pupils’ needs. Mathematics lessons at Woodlands are designed to be inclusive, enjoyable and engaging, encouraging children to take risks, think creatively and work collaboratively.
Impact
The impact of our mathematics curriculum is that all children at Woodlands Primary become confident, competent and enthusiastic mathematicians who are equipped with essential knowledge and skills for the next stage of their education.
Through a mastery approach, pupils develop:
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a deep, secure understanding of key concepts
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fluency in number facts and methods
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the ability to reason, explain and justify using clear mathematical language
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confidence to problem solve in a range of contexts
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a positive attitude, knowing that effort and resilience are key to success
We measure impact through a range of assessment strategies, including:
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ongoing formative assessment during lessons to address misconceptions and guide next steps
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end-of-unit assessments and termly summative tests
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teacher assessment of pupils’ written work, verbal reasoning and practical exploration
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pupil voice, demonstrating that children feel confident, supported and challenged in maths
Assessment information is used purposefully to identify gaps, inform planning and provide timely, targeted support. Interventions and invite-only enrichment opportunities ensure that all children, those who need additional consolidation and those who require further challenge, continue to make strong progress.
As a result, pupils at Woodlands:
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make good progress from their starting points
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leave with secure arithmetic foundations
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can apply their knowledge with confidence
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see themselves as capable, independent mathematicians
Most importantly, they enjoy mathematics, understand its relevance to the wider world, and are prepared to continue their mathematical learning with ambition and confidence beyond Woodlands.
