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Barkston Ash Catholic Primary School

Part of The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust
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Maths 

Barkston Ash Maths Long Term Planning.docx

Methods of calculation policy for parents

INTENT – Our aim for children at Barkston Ash is…

  • For children to become fluent in the fundamentals of maths through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time to develop: an understanding of why a mathematical idea is important and the kinds of contexts in which it is useful; the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.
  • For children to be able to reason mathematically: follow a line of enquiry; make generalisations; develop an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language.
  • For children to be able to solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.
  • For children to use their mathematics learning in ‘real life’ contexts.

How is the curriculum organised to achieve this?

  • Long-term planning throughout the school is based on White Rose Maths planning, which follows the National Curriculum in a clear and logical order, steadily building on previously-learned skills and understanding.
  • In order to facilitate the delivery of lessons in mixed-age classes, the timing of some aspects of the planning may vary, and teachers will apply their professional knowledge and experience to make adjustments to the long-term planning in order to reflect the strengths/weaknesses in individual cohorts of children.
  • In Reception, the children explore the mathematical concepts they have been introduced to through provision areas. Teaching and understanding is then developed through conversations with the children whilst at play.  
  • Working alongside the Maths Hub, the Mastering Number programme is now established in EYFS and KS1.
  • All areas of maths (number, measurement, geometry, statistics + ratio/ proportion and algebra for Y6) are covered within an academic year and are revisited year on year.
  • Weekly class timetables show the area of maths to be covered with the specific White Rose Maths ‘small step’ indicated for each day.
  • White Rose Maths resources are used as a starting point, and class teachers supplement these with additional activities designed to further develop the children's understanding through reasoning, problem-solving and practical activities.  Wider resources are sought from other high-quality providers such as NCETM and NRICH.  

IMPLEMENTATION

  • Maths is taught daily, using White Rose Maths small steps as a guide, with a variety of concrete/pictorial/abstract resources.
  • Class 1 (Reception/Year 1) has maths activities integrated into the provision areas within the classroom to support adult-initiated and child-initiated learning, in addition to formal teacher inputs.
  • Maths books show a range of fluency, reasoning and problem-solving work.
  • A weekly times tables challenge for KS2 aims to ensure all children have instant recall of all times tables and related division facts up to 12x12.
  • Cross curricular opportunities are explored particularly in science (statistics/ data handling) and DT (measurement).

 

  • Other areas:
  • ‘The Apprentice’ challenge in Class 5 – children are given an initial budget of £5 from which they build and market a business and sell their products with the aim of making as much profit as they can. This includes the opportunity to hire a stall at the Christmas Fayre to sell their products. They also produce costings, outgoings, revenue and profit analysis to present to a panel in January. 
  • Primary Maths Challenge (November) for Y5 and Y6 to promote/develop problem solving skills.
  • Maths homework on a weekly basis to consolidate the previous week’s learning.
  • Maths interventions are planned with the SENCO to meet the needs of each cohort, interventions include pre teaching support, problem solving, precision teaching, Sandwell diagnostic tests followed by targeted intervention (to address gaps in knowledge and to support class curriculum teaching).
  • Maths lessons are planned to be accessible to all children, including those with additional needs, ensuring all pupils are supported to achieve the lesson outcomes through adaptive teaching and a clear focus on resources used to scaffold learners.

IMPACT

Any particular highlights in the data?

  • KS2 Maths 2025: 100% of children achieved at least the expected standard, this means that all of our pupils have a firm foundation for their secondary education and beyond.
  • Year 4 Times Table Check data is high; in 2025, 95% of pupils answered at least 80% of questions correctly.