Children's vision 

At Fordbridge Community Primary School, we believe Maths is an important subject and skill, because it helps us to use maths knowledge in all areas of our lives. Learning maths, increases our understanding so we can apply our skills in real-life contexts. We often learn from mistakes and this improves our resilience, so we are always learning! We often get to practise our times tables on TTRS. Also, we get to practise our maths skills daily so we feel really confident. 

Staff vision 

At Fordbridge Community Primary School, we view Maths as both a vital life skill and a creative discipline that helps children make sense of the world around them. It allows pupils to explore and understand relationships and patterns in numbers and shapes, extending their learning beyond the classroom. As their knowledge deepens, children develop the ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations. We embrace misconceptions as valuable learning opportunities and provide purposeful challenges that encourage pupils to apply what they've learned before introducing new content. This approach helps to secure core skills in their long-term memory.

At Fordbridge Community Primary School, we follow the C-P-A teaching approach (concrete-pictorial-abstract). This is to ensure mathematics is taught to mastery showing depth and understanding of concepts taught.

From Year 1 to Year 6, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme of work, which provides a carefully sequenced progression of units designed to build on prior knowledge and deepen understanding over time. Each unit incorporates a balance of fluency, reasoning, and problem solving activities, allowing children to master key mathematical concepts while developing their ability to think critically and apply their learning in a variety of contexts.

Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. We give all children the opportunity to talk and communicate in a widening range of situations and to practise and extend their range of vocabulary and numeracy skills. They have the opportunity to explore, enjoy, learn about, and use mathematics in a range of situations. Mathematics is planned from the Early Learning Goals and the CPA approach is encouraged. Mathematics is taught both as a discrete subject and within the whole Early Years Curriculum to give children opportunities to use their numeracy skills in real life situations.

Mastery Readiness - NCETM

Fordbridge Community Primary School is dedicated to delivering high quality mathematics education through the Teaching for Mastery Programme, run by the Origin Maths Hub. The initiative of the programme ensures that all children develop a deep, secure understanding of mathematical concepts, building their confidence and problem solving skills.

Fordbridge Community Primary School actively participated in the Development Work Group, where the maths subject leader gained valuable insights into implementing the mastery approach. This involvement laid the foundation for embedding mastery principles within the school’s teaching practices.

Building on this progress, Fordbridge Community Primary School is now engaged in the Embedding Work Group, which shifts the focus towards sustainable, whole school implementation. This stage prioritises leadership development, refining school systems, and fostering a collaborative culture that supports mastery learning at all levels.

Key benefits of participating in the NCETM Teaching for Mastery Programme include:

-Enhanced mathematical subject knowledge, equipping teachers with a deeper understanding of core concepts and effective teaching strategies.

- Integration of mastery approaches into daily lessons, enabling teachers to plan, deliver, and reflect on high-quality teaching and learning experiences.
- Leadership development, empowering school leaders to implement structured support systems that ensure mastery teaching is embedded across all year groups.
- A sustainable professional learning culture, ensuring ongoing staff development and continuous improvement in mathematics teaching.

Through this commitment to the Teaching for Mastery Programme, Fordbridge Community Primary School is not only strengthening mathematical understanding for pupils but also creating a framework for success in teaching and learning. This initiative will have a lasting impact on both teachers and pupils, fostering a mastery culture that supports mathematical confidence and achievement in later years.