Maths
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At Allithwaite, mathematics is taught with the belief that every child can succeed and achieve in maths. From Early Years through to Key Stage 2, we provide a coherent, progressive and ambitious curriculum that builds deep understanding, confidence and resilience in mathematics.
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In Early Years, teaching is guided by the NCETM Mastering Number programme, which develops strong number sense and secure understanding of number relationships from the outset. This is supplemented by elements of the White Rose Maths scheme to support progression and provide a broad coverage of early mathematical concepts.
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From Year 1 to Year 6, we follow the White Rose Mixed Age scheme, which provides a carefully structured sequence of learning built around small, progressive steps. This approach ensures that pupils develop secure foundations before moving on to more complex concepts.
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Our curriculum is underpinned by the Five Big Ideas of Mastery — coherence, representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency and variation. These principles support pupils in developing both deep conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.
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Teaching follows the concrete–pictorial–abstract (CPA) approach, supporting pupils in developing secure conceptual understanding. We are continuing to strengthen our use of manipulatives and mathematical representations across the school so that children can explore mathematical structures, make connections and deepen understanding before moving towards more abstract methods. Through carefully chosen models, images and resources, pupils are supported to visualise concepts, explain their thinking and build lasting understanding.
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Oracy plays an important role within mathematics lessons. Pupils are supported with carefully designed sentence stems and precise mathematical vocabulary, enabling them to articulate their reasoning clearly, discuss different strategies and engage in purposeful mathematical talk. We want children to think like mathematicians — questioning, explaining, proving and refining their ideas.
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From Year 1 onwards, pupils also take part in short NCETM Mastering Number fluency sessions at the start of each maths lesson. These sessions strengthen number sense, build fluency and develop efficiency within calculation, helping pupils develop automaticity and flexibility with number facts that support success in more complex mathematical learning.
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A strong emphasis is placed on the secure recall of multiplication facts. Pupils practise times tables daily through a range of activities designed to build accuracy, speed and confidence. This includes the use of Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS) and participation in our weekly 144 Challenge. We recognise that fluency in multiplication underpins success across the wider mathematics curriculum.
Inclusivity is an important part of our approach to mathematics. We aim to ensure that all pupils are able to access learning and make progress. Lessons are adapted where needed, with appropriate scaffolding and challenge to support different learners. In some cases, pupils benefit from pre-teaching sessions to introduce key vocabulary and concepts ahead of whole-class learning, helping them to engage more confidently. Opportunities for deeper thinking are also provided so that pupils can extend and apply their understanding.
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By the time our Year 6 pupils leave us, they are resilient, fluent and reflective mathematicians who approach problems with curiosity and confidence. They understand that mathematics is not just about finding the right answer, but about thinking deeply, making connections and embracing challenge.
Click on the links below to see our overview of White Rose Maths
Mathematical Fluency
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Developing strong number fluency is an important foundation for success in mathematics. Fluency allows pupils to work efficiently with numbers, recognise patterns and apply their knowledge flexibly when solving problems.
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To support this, we take part in the NCETM Mastering Number programme across the school. This programme helps pupils develop a deeper understanding of number, build confidence with key facts and improve the efficiency and accuracy of their calculations. Through short, focused sessions, pupils practise essential number skills and explore mathematical structures that strengthen their overall understanding.
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Further information about how fluency is developed in our school can be found in our Mathematical Fluency document, along with the Mastering Number overviews which show how the programme supports learning across different year groups
Times Tables
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Secure knowledge of times tables is a vital part of becoming a confident mathematician. Rapid recall of multiplication and division facts supports pupils in many areas of mathematics, including fractions, problem solving and more complex calculations later in their learning.
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At Allithwaite, we place a strong emphasis on developing times table fluency. Our Times Tables Fluency document outlines why this is such an important focus within our maths curriculum, while our Times Tables Progression document shows how these facts are taught and practised as pupils move through the school. The progression document also includes suggestions for simple activities that families can use at home to help reinforce learning.
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Children are encouraged to practise regularly using Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS), an engaging online platform which helps pupils develop speed, accuracy and confidence in recalling their multiplication facts. Pupils also take part in our weekly 144 Challenge, providing regular opportunities to practise and improve.
Information about accessing and supporting your child with TTRS can be found here.