Introduction to the Teaching of Mathematics at Hurst Hill Primary School

At Hurst Hill Primary School, our mathematics curriculum is built on a Teaching for Mastery approach. We believe that every child can succeed in mathematics and develop confidence, fluency and enjoyment in the subject. This reflects the principles outlined by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), which promotes the belief that all children can learn and achieve in mathematics through high-quality teaching, careful sequencing and consistent support.

Our curriculum is delivered through White Rose Maths, providing a carefully sequenced and progressive framework that enables children to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Each year group focuses on mastering age-appropriate content, ensuring pupils gain secure understanding before moving on to new learning. Through regular opportunities to revisit, practise and apply knowledge, children build strong mathematical connections and become fluent, resilient and confident mathematicians.

To support the development of number fluency from the earliest stages, we use a range of evidence-informed programmes. In Reception, Key Stage 1 and beyond, children benefit from Mastering Number, which develops automaticity and confidence with number facts and relationships. We also utilise Number Sense Maths interventions to provide targeted support for pupils who need additional help securing key number concepts. Alongside this, MAGMA Maths is used to strengthen arithmetic fluency, mathematical thinking and rapid recall of essential number facts, helping children build firm foundations for future learning.

Our teaching places a strong emphasis on the NCETM's Five Big Ideas of Mastery: coherence, representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency and variation. Lessons encourage children to explain their thinking, reason mathematically, make connections and solve increasingly complex problems. Through this approach, pupils develop both procedural fluency and conceptual understanding.

At Hurst Hill, these principles shape not only what we teach but how we teach. Through high-quality instruction, consistent classroom practice, effective intervention programmes and a commitment to supporting every learner, we aim to provide all children with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding they need for future success.

To establish and maintain high expectations and consistency in mathematics teaching, school leaders have developed a comprehensive Maths Handbook that explicitly outlines how mathematics is taught across Hurst Hill Primary School. This supports all practitioners, including experienced staff, Early Career Teachers and trainee teachers, ensuring a shared approach to delivering excellent mathematics teaching for every child.