Maths

Statement of Intent

Across our two schools, our mathematics curriculum is built on high ambition for every child. We sequence learning carefully so that children build securely on prior knowledge, forming deep conceptual understanding and long-term memory schemas. We use the CanDoMaths small step approach, which carefully sequences learning and structures lessons to give all children the time, strategies and support needed to access and master new concepts.

We believe mathematics should spark genuine curiosity and joy. Our classrooms cultivate a positive, inclusive culture where mistakes are valued as vital steps in the learning process, helping children develop remarkable resilience and self-regulation.

To prepare our children for the wider world, we champion a balanced mastery approach: securing rapid mental recall and efficient calculation methods alongside independent, creative problem-solving. By embedding rich mathematical vocabulary, collaborative reasoning, and meaningful cross-curricular links, we equip Northway Infant and Carrant Brook pupils with essential transferable life skills. Our philosophy recognises that Mathematics is not just a subject to be studied—it is a powerful tool to help children make sense of the world around them.

Maths on Track

At Carrant Brook we have a daily 15-minute Maths on Track session specifically designed to improve and support mental recall of number facts, including multiplication facts, which will enable our children to learn beyond rote and become fluent mathematicians that can demonstrate efficiency, accuracy and flexibility when using and applying methods and retrieving secure foundational knowledge. Our Maths of Track sessions focus on year group key performance indicators that are essential for all children to know by the end of their current year group. Children are consistently provided with the opportunity to actively practise and apply the specific concepts taught and systematically revisit prior knowledge so that all learning is committed to their long-term memory.

Year 3 Maths on Track

Year 4 Maths on Track

Year 5 Maths on Track

Year 6 Maths on Track

Times Table Rock Stars (TTRS)

We believe that fluent recall of multiplication and division facts is fundamental to children feeling successful in a wide range of mathematical concepts. To ensure that every child leaves Carrant Brook with rapid, accurate and automatic knowledge of times tables up to 12 x 12, we use Times Tables Rock Stars provide a platform for children to build their confidence with their multiplication facts in a fun and engaging way.

Click here to access the site.

Lesson Structure and Assessment

Our maths lesson is carefully planned and structured to support children to develop a deep and connected understanding of mathematics that they can apply in various contexts. A typical lesson will take the children through a journey that encompasses 5 main elements: Hook, Explore It, Teach It, Practise It and Independent Activities (Do It, Secure It and Deepen It). Mathematical vocabulary is woven into the lesson throughout all stages and children are encouraged to express and explain concepts by speaking and writing in full sentences using precise mathematical language. Children move from guided to independence through explicit metacognitive modelling. Where adaptive teaching is required to enable all children to succeed, learning is scaffolded using variation, additional adult support, mixed-ability partners and consideration of cognitive load by reducing lesson content whilst still having the opportunity to show their understanding of the same learning intention, to a level that suits them.

At Carrant Brook we regularly assess the children to be able to quickly identify misconceptions, gaps in learning and areas of mathematics that children may feel less confidence with. Using the assessment materials from the CanDoMaths resources, children complete a ‘Ready-to-Progress’ assessment during terms 1 and 2, 3 and 4 that inform teachers about children’s readiness to progress to the next year’s learning, in addition to termly ‘Remember It’ assessments that focus on new learning with topics taught for their current programme of study. Teachers use the data from the assessments to forensically analyse children’s individual gaps, and concepts and methods are revised and revisited within the Maths on Track sessions or targeted interventions.

Click here to access our calculation policy.