At Long Mead Community Primary School, we aim to develop confident, resilient mathematicians who enjoy challenge and can apply their mathematical understanding to a wide range of real-life situations. Our mathematics curriculum is designed to build deep conceptual understanding, fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills, ensuring every child has the knowledge and confidence to succeed.

​

We believe that mathematics should be enjoyable. We want our children to realise that maths is fun, engaging and relevant to everyday life. We foster an 'I can' culture within our classrooms, encouraging children to embrace challenge, persevere when learning becomes difficult and develop confidence in their own mathematical abilities. Our classrooms are mistake-friendly environments where errors are valued as an important part of the learning process. Children are encouraged to discuss misconceptions, reflect on their thinking and learn from mistakes, helping them to develop resilience and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

​

Mathematics is taught every day throughout the school. In Reception, children develop their mathematical understanding through high-quality continuous provision alongside carefully planned adult-led teaching. In Key Stage 1, we use the Mastering Number programme alongside Power Maths to develop strong number sense, fluency and confidence with number. Over the past two years, Mastering Number has become fully embedded within our Key Stage 1 curriculum and has had a significant impact on children's understanding of number. Building on this success, we are now introducing the programme into Upper Key Stage 2 to further strengthen pupils' fluency with number and support mathematical confidence as they prepare for secondary school.

​

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, we use Power Maths, a Department for Education-approved mastery programme. The programme carefully sequences learning into small, connected steps, enabling children to develop a secure understanding before moving on to more complex concepts. Lessons encourage children to explain their thinking, make connections between mathematical ideas and tackle problems using a range of strategies.

​

Whilst Power Maths provides the structure for our curriculum, our teachers adapt lessons to meet the needs of every child. Through careful assessment, questioning and targeted support or challenge, learning is tailored to ensure all pupils are appropriately supported while enabling every child to achieve their full potential.

​

Alongside daily mathematics lessons, children regularly develop and practise their arithmetic skills to build fluency and accuracy. These essential skills provide the foundation for more complex mathematical learning and are revisited throughout the curriculum. Proficiency in multiplication facts is also a key priority across the school. Children enjoy taking part in regular Times Tables Rock Stars battles between classes, creating a fun and motivating way to improve recall and speed. The winning class and highest individual scorers are recognised and celebrated during our weekly Fun Friday Assembly, helping to inspire enthusiasm and a healthy sense of competition.