Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers – Shakuntala Devi
Welcome To
Maths
At St. Luke’s, we believe that teachers play a vital role as facilitators in helping our children realise their full potential. We are committed to demonstrating the essential role mathematics plays in every aspect of life. Whether aspiring to be a scientist, footballer, baker or accountant, our children will see that Maths is a part of everything we do. Through our rich and engaging Maths curriculum, we aim to cultivate resilient and confident mathematicians who are well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges.
At St. Luke’s, we believe all children can achieve success. To support their mathematical journey, we provide daily arithmetic sessions, engaging Maths lessons and targeted catch-up interventions, all carefully aligned with the National Curriculum. This comprehensive approach ensures that every child receives the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential in Mathematics.
Arithmetic sessions and Maths lessons are taught separately, with the understanding that strong arithmetic skills provide a solid foundation for a broader mathematical learning.
In Reception and Key Stage 1, children begin their journey into arithmetical proficiency through the NCETM’s Mastering Number programme, which focuses on developing a strong number sense. These sessions help children become fluent and flexible with numbers, preparing them for the challenges of Key Stage 2.
In Key Stage 2, arithmetic sessions build on and reinforce the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) addressing specific needs identified in Maths lessons. Sessions work to further develop a child’s arithmetical proficiency through a range of approaches including games, quick-fire practice and the use of manipulatives, ensuring continued growth and mastery in mathematics.
In Nursery, maths is all around; from lessons to lining up, children begin to develop an understanding of maths and maths vocabulary in the world around them. Through rhymes and songs, and underpinned by White Rose small steps, they begin to explore numbers up to 5 as well as shape, space and measure which lay the foundation for Reception.
In Reception, Mastering Number forms the core of their ‘number’ lessons four times a week, with the fifth lesson using White Rose Small Steps for shape, space and measure.
From Years 1 to 6, our Maths curriculum is guided by White Rose Small Steps, with lessons adapted to meet the needs of our learners. Our children’s journey through Maths is cyclical, following Bruner’s Spiral Curriculum approach; topics are revisited each year to consolidate understanding while increasing in complexity, with new learning building on a learner’s previous learning (Bruner, 1960). Each new topic is introduced through the CPA approach (Concrete – using concrete materials and manipulatives, Pictorial – representing with pictures, Abstract – numbers), allowing children to build deeper connections between new and existing learning.
From Year 2 onwards, all children are encouraged to enhance their times tables skills through Times Tables Rockstars. Each child is provided with a personalised login and each week competitions are set up between classes/ year groups to motivate and encourage practice at home, engaging with their learning in a fun, interactive way.
Bruner, J (1960) The Process of Education. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.