Mathematics

Albert Einstein, 'Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.'


Mathematics is a creative and highly interconnected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history's most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for financial literacy and most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.


The national curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that: 'all pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately; reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language; can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions Mathematics is an interconnected subject in which pupils need to be able to move fluently between representations of mathematical ideas. The programmes of study are, by necessity, organised into apparently distinct domains, but pupils should make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. They should also apply their mathematical knowledge to science and other subjects'.

Calculation Policy

What does mastery mean in our primary maths classrooms? 

Inspired by teaching approaches developed in Singapore and Shanghai, mastery is an inclusive way of teaching that is grounded in the belief that all pupils can achieve in maths. A concept is deemed mastered when learners can represent it in multiple ways, can communicate solutions using mathematical language and can independently apply the concept to new problems.


Teaching for mastery supports National Curriculum objectives, but spends more time reinforcing number before progressing to more difficult areas of mathematics. The curriculum has been developed to ensure that every child can achieve excellence in mathematics, providing children with a deep understanding of the subject through concrete, pictorial and abstract approaches to ensure pupils fully understand what they are learning and why.

A mastery curriculum is cumulative - each school year begins with a focus on the concepts and skills that have the most connections, which are then applied and connected throughout the school year to consolidate learning. This gives pupils the opportunity to ‘master maths’; by using previous learning throughout the school year, they are able to develop mathematical fluency and conceptual understanding.


At Elm C of E Primary we use Can Do Maths, so that every child has the potential to become a confident and capable mathematician. Our approach is built on the idea that a positive mindset, high-quality teaching, and engaging resources can unlock mathematical success for all learners.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Parents/Carers Can Expect:

  • Growth Mindset Focus: We nurture resilience and a love of learning by encouraging children to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes.
  • Clear Progression: Our curriculum is carefully structured to build understanding step-by-step, ensuring children feel supported and stretched.
  • Engaging Resources: From interactive tasks to visual models, our materials make maths meaningful and fun.
  • Inclusive Learning: Designed for all abilities, our resources ensure every child feels seen, supported, and successful.

🌱 Why It Matters:

Maths isn’t just about numbers—it’s about thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. With Can Do Maths, your child will develop skills that go far beyond the classroom.

🎯 Key Features of a Can Do Maths Classroom:

  • Positive Learning Culture Pupils are encouraged to say “I can’t do it… yet!” Mistakes are celebrated as learning opportunities, and perseverance is praised just as much as correct answers.
  • Structured, Purposeful Activities Lessons are built around carefully designed tasks that explore mathematical structure and relationships. These activities help children develop fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Visual and Practical Resources Teachers use concrete manipulatives (like counters and number lines) and visual models to make abstract concepts tangible. This supports all learners, especially those who need extra scaffolding.
  • Colin the CanDo Caribou 🦌 Yes, there’s a mascot! Colin and his friends help reinforce key messages about resilience, effort, and belief. They’re a fun and friendly way to keep children motivated.
  • Collaborative Learning Pupils often work in pairs or small groups, discussing strategies and explaining their thinking. This builds mathematical language and confidence.
  • Teacher as Facilitator Rather than simply delivering content, teachers guide exploration, ask probing questions, and help pupils make connections across topics.
  • Assessment for Learning Teachers use ongoing assessment to identify gaps and adapt instruction. The focus is on understanding, not just ticking off curriculum boxes.