Maths
Maths at Stoke St Gregory Primary School
At Stoke St Gregory, we believe that every child can succeed in mathematics. Our approach is rooted in the principles of teaching for mastery, ensuring that all pupils develop a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of the subject.
Our Approach
We follow the Power Maths White Rose scheme, a whole-class mastery programme designed to spark curiosity and excitement and help nurture confidence in maths. Lessons are carefully structured to build on prior learning and develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Despite being a small school with mixed-age classes, we teach maths in single-year groups. This allows us to tailor learning precisely to the curriculum expectations for each year group. During lessons, one year group is taught directly while the other consolidates previous learning, before swapping over. This structure ensures that all children receive high-quality, focused teaching.
Teaching for Mastery
Our teaching is underpinned by the Five Big Ideas of Mastery:
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Coherence – Lessons are broken down into small, connected steps that gradually unfold the concept.
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Representation and Structure – We use a wide range of manipulatives and visual models to expose mathematical structure.
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Mathematical Thinking – Children are encouraged to think deeply, explain their reasoning and explore different strategies.
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Fluency – Regular practice helps children develop quick and accurate recall of facts and procedures.
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Variation – We present concepts in different ways to deepen understanding and highlight essential features.
Lesson Structure
Each Power Maths lesson typically follows this structure:
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Power Up – A short activity to consolidate prior learning.
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Discover – A real-life problem to explore and discuss.
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Share – Teacher-led modelling and discussion.
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Think Together – Guided practice with increasing independence.
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Practice – Independent work in Power Maths practice books.
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Reflect – A chance to explain and consolidate learning.
Supporting Fluency and Recall
In addition to daily maths lessons, we run:
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Jotter Maths – Revisiting and embedding key skills through short, varied tasks.
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Times Tables Rockstars – Used from Year 2 upwards to build rapid recall of multiplication facts.
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Numbots – Used in KS1 to develop early number sense.
Mastering Number in Reception and KS1
At Stoke St Gregory, we use the Mastering Number programme from the NCETM in Reception and Key Stage 1 to develop and strengthen children’s understanding of number and create firm foundations in additive relationships.
This programme is delivered in short, focused sessions several times a week and is designed to ensure that all children:
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Develop a deep understanding of number, particularly the composition of numbers to 10 and 20.
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Build fluency and flexibility with number facts.
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Gain confidence in using a range of representations, including rekenreks, tens frames and number tracks.
Mastering Number complements our Power Maths curriculum and supports our commitment to teaching for mastery. It helps children to internalise key number facts and relationships, which in turn supports their success in more complex mathematical concepts as they move through the school.
EYFS Maths
Additionally, in Early Years, maths is practical, playful and hands-on. Children explore number through games, songs and manipulatives, following the Power Maths EYFS programme alongside Mastering Number. Learning is recorded in journals and supported through continuous provision.
Inclusion and Challenge
We use adaptive teaching to ensure all children can access the curriculum. This includes scaffolding for those who need it and opportunities for deeper exploration through Power Maths ‘Deepening’ tasks. Children are encouraged to use mathematical vocabulary confidently and to explain their thinking clearly.
Assessment
We use a combination of formative and summative assessment to track progress:
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Formative – Ongoing through questioning, marking, and pupil discussion.
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Summative – Termly NfER tests and end-of-unit checks.