➕ Mathematics at High Halden C of E Primary School

“The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple.”
— Stan Gudder

At High Halden, we believe that mathematics is a vital life skill. It helps children to think logically, solve problems, and approach challenges with confidence and curiosity. Our maths curriculum ensures that children do more than just learn numbers — they learn how to think like mathematicians.

We follow the White Rose Maths (WRM) scheme, underpinned by a Mastery Approach, which allows every child to build deep, sustainable understanding, step by step.

🌟 Our Vision for Maths

Maths is more than just numbers — it’s a language of logic, pattern, structure, and reasoning. At High Halden, we want every child to:

• Develop confidence and fluency in number

• Reason and explain using precise mathematical vocabulary

• Apply their understanding to solve real-life and abstract problems

• Feel enjoyment and a sense of achievement through challenge

We teach our pupils to understand, not memorise — giving them the tools to make connections and tackle new problems with resilience and creativity.

📚 Our Curriculum: Based on White Rose Maths

We follow the White Rose Maths scheme of learning from EYFS to Year 6. This provides a carefully sequenced, consistent and progressive approach to number, calculation, shape, measurement and statistics.

Each unit focuses on:

✅ Concrete – Pictorial – Abstract (CPA) approach
✅ Small steps that build deep understanding
✅ Fluency, reasoning and problem-solving woven into every lesson
✅ Daily practice and revisiting of key concepts

🔢 Calculation at High Halden

To support consistency and progression across the school, we follow the WRM Calculation Policy, which sets out the specific strategies, models and representations used in each year group.

Each operation is broken down into small, clear steps that allow children to master each method before moving on. Children are taught why methods work, not just how to do them.

📊 Key features of our approach to calculation:

• Progression from concrete to pictorial to abstract representations

• Consistent use of manipulatives (e.g. counters, base 10, place value charts)

• Focus on mathematical vocabulary and explanation

• Opportunities for reasoning, pattern spotting and generalising

• Clear guidance for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• Strong emphasis on number sense, place value and mental strategies

Each year group builds upon the last, ensuring a coherent journey from early number work in EYFS through to multi-step problems in upper Key Stage 2.

📄 You can view our full Calculation Policy below. 

🧠 Maths Mastery: Our Approach in Action

Our teaching is rooted in the principles of Maths Mastery, which ensure all children:

• Learn together at the same pace, with support and challenge built in

• Focus on depth before breadth, exploring topics in detail

• Use mathematical talk to explain and justify their thinking

• See maths as something to be explored, not memorised

We use the Connective Model, which links structure, imagery, language, symbols and context — helping children fully grasp what they’re doing and why it works.

💡 How We Support All Learners

We believe every child can achieve in maths. To ensure success for all:

• Concepts are broken into small, manageable steps

• Children receive scaffolding and support where needed

• There are regular opportunities for challenge, particularly for those working at greater depth

• Pre-teaching and revisiting help address misconceptions and reinforce learning

• Teachers use assessment for learning daily to adapt and respond to pupils' needs

✨ Making Maths Meaningful

We want children to see the relevance of maths in the real world. Across the curriculum and through enrichment opportunities, children explore how maths helps us:

• Measure and build

• Compare and analyse data

• Solve problems in science and geography

• Make sense of time, money, patterns and more

From maths trails and puzzle days to cross-curricular investigations, we give children opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful contexts.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Working in Partnership with Parents

We know that maths can sometimes feel intimidating — for children and adults alike! That’s why we:

• Host parent workshops and provide calculation guides

• Share vocabulary and methods so families can support learning at home

• Use platforms like Class Dojo to celebrate maths successes and progress

Together, we nurture confident, capable mathematicians who are ready for the challenges of secondary school and beyond.