We provide a high-quality mathematics education at Meriden so our pupils develop a clear understanding and key skills to support life-long learning. We want our pupils to show curiosity and enjoy the beauty of mathematics. We teach our pupils to become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics through varied and frequent practice. Our pupils will develop their fluency and understanding and apply their skills to a variety of problems with increasing complexity. We aim for our pupils to reason mathematically to justify, explain or prove solutions using mathematical language. 

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Developing Number Sense and Mathematical Understanding

We are committed to ensuring that every child develops a deep and secure understanding of number as the foundation for success in mathematics. In the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, we participate in the NCETM Mastering Number Programme, which supports children in developing strong number sense, fluency and confidence with mathematics from the earliest stages of learning.

Through short, focused daily sessions, pupils develop a rich understanding of number by exploring counting, subitising, comparison, composition and relationships between numbers. Children are encouraged to talk about their mathematical thinking, make connections and recognise patterns, building the strong foundations necessary for future mathematical learning.

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The Mastering Number Programme supports pupils in developing:

• Secure counting and cardinality

• Number recognition and representation

• Understanding of number bonds and number composition

• Comparison of quantities and numerical relationships

• Subitising and pattern recognition

• Fluency in recall of key facts

• Early calculation strategies and mathematical reasoning

 

In Key Stage 1, Mastering Number complements our daily mathematics lessons and reflects our commitment to a mastery approach. By strengthening children's understanding of number and promoting automaticity with essential facts, pupils develop the confidence and flexibility to apply their knowledge across the wider mathematics curriculum.

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As pupils move into Key Stage 2, they build upon the secure foundations established through Mastering Number. Their strong understanding of number and place value enables them to tackle increasingly sophisticated mathematical concepts with confidence, including fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry and statistics. Throughout Key Stage 2, learning is carefully sequenced to ensure that new knowledge builds on what has been learned before. Pupils are encouraged to reason mathematically, make connections and apply their understanding across a range of contexts. They develop the ability to:

• Calculate fluently and efficiently using all four operations

• Recall and apply number facts with increasing automaticity

• Use mental and written strategies accurately and flexibly

• Understand and make connections between fractions, decimals and percentages

• Explain, justify and prove their thinking using precise mathematical vocabulary

• Solve increasingly complex and multi-step problems

• Demonstrate resilience, perseverance and confidence when faced with challenge

 

We believe that all children can achieve in mathematics. Through adaptive teaching, carefully selected representations and structures, and timely intervention where required, we ensure that every pupil, including those with SEND and other vulnerable groups, can access and succeed in the mathematics curriculum. High expectations, alongside appropriate support and challenge, enable all learners to make strong progress from their individual starting points.

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