Maths

Belonging  •  Ambition  •  Equity

“Building confident, fluent and resilient mathematicians.”

At Captain’s Close Primary School, we believe every child can succeed in mathematics. Our curriculum follows the Discovery Maths Approach and develops secure, adaptable understanding through carefully sequenced learning. We help pupils become fluent with number, reason clearly, solve problems and make meaningful connections, while ensuring that teaching is inclusive and responsive to individual need.

Teaching for mastery

Our teaching is shaped by the five big ideas of mastery: representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency, variation and coherence. Learning is broken into manageable steps so pupils can build a deep, connected understanding and apply their knowledge confidently in different contexts.

Helping pupils “see” the mathematics

Teachers use carefully selected practical equipment, visual models and mathematical images to reveal important structures and relationships. Through the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract approach, pupils move from hands-on resources, to drawings and diagrams, and then to numbers and symbols. Manipulatives and visual representations remain available to pupils of all ages when they support understanding and independence.

Fluency, reasoning and problem-solving

Pupils regularly practise foundational number facts, number bonds, times tables and calculation strategies. Alongside fluency, lessons include rich opportunities to notice patterns, explain relationships, justify answers and prove ideas. Precise mathematical vocabulary, sentence stems and full-sentence responses help pupils communicate their thinking clearly.

A coherent and inclusive curriculum

Learning is sequenced carefully within and between lessons, with teachers adapting materials and pace in response to assessment. Pupils usually study the same ambitious curriculum as their peers, supported through modelling, scaffolding, pre-teaching, practical resources and additional opportunities to consolidate learning. Our aim is for every pupil, including those with SEND, to experience success and develop confidence in mathematics.

Mathematics from Early Years to Year 6

In the Early Years, mathematics is developed through direct teaching, purposeful play, high-quality adult interactions, stories, routines and a mathematically rich environment. Children explore counting, comparison, composition, pattern, shape, space and measure. As pupils progress through the school, these strong foundations are extended through a clear curriculum that develops fluency, reasoning and problem-solving in increasing depth.

Digital learning in Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, digital tools provide purposeful opportunities for practice, consolidation and feedback. Times Tables Rock Stars supports regular rehearsal and rapid recall of multiplication and division facts, with progress celebrated through quizzes and digital tracking. CENTURY is also used to reinforce and revisit key mathematical knowledge through targeted online learning. These platforms complement classroom teaching and help pupils practise important skills independently at school and at home.

Knowing the impact

Teachers check understanding through questioning, observation, pupil explanations, fluency checks, arithmetic and reasoning activities, work scrutiny and assessment information. This helps us identify misconceptions, provide timely support and ensure pupils are ready for the next stage of learning. We want children to leave Captain’s Close able to calculate accurately, explain their thinking, choose efficient strategies and approach mathematics with confidence and curiosity.

Our goal is simple: mathematical mastery for every pupil.