Intent

At Merrylands we believe that Mathematics teaches children how to make sense of the world around them through developing their ability to calculate, reason and solve problems. Our aim is to ensure every child becomes a confident, fluent and resilient mathematician who can make sense of the world through logical thinking, pattern recognition and problem solving. Mathematics is a creative, interconnected discipline essential for life, learning and future employment. Our curriculum is designed to:

• Build enjoyment, curiosity and a positive mathematical identity.
• Develop fluency and secure number sense through rapid, accurate recall and intelligent application.
• Strengthen reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving across varied, real-life contexts.
• Deepen understanding of shape, space, measure and data through practical exploration.
• Ensure pupils use and understand precise mathematical vocabulary.
• Highlight the relevance and power of mathematics in everyday life.

This intent is underpinned by clarity, coherence and consistency, ensuring shared expectations and a collective belief that all pupils can succeed in mathematics.

 

Implementation

Following the EEF’s implementation principles, our approach is purposeful, evidence-informed and aligned across the school.

Explore & Prepare

• Mathematics is taught in small, coherent steps following the White Rose progression, supported with high-quality supplementary resources.
• Staff develop a secure understanding of the concrete–pictorial–abstract (CPA) approach to strengthen conceptual understanding.
• Key priorities are identified annually; for example, Year 4’s targeted use of NumberSense to improve multiplication fluency and Multiplication Tables Check outcomes.

Deliver

• Lessons incorporate fluency, reasoning and problem-solving, with planned opportunities to question, justify and explain using accurate mathematical language.
• Subitising, conservation of number and place value are taught systematically through manipulatives including Numicon, base ten, counters and number lines.
• Teachers make intelligent use of modelling, guided practice and scaffolds, gradually releasing responsibility as pupils deepen understanding.
• To strengthen home–school partnership and additional practice, the school implements:
  • Mathseeds for EYFS/KS1 homework
  • Mathletics for KS2 homework

Expectations are consistent and monitored to ensure equitable access and impact.

Sustain

• Regular review ensures coherence and alignment with whole-school priorities and pupil needs.

 

Impact

Our curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Demonstrate secure number sense, quick recall of key facts and fluent use of efficient methods—especially in multiplication through targeted interventions such as NumberSense in Year 4.
• Apply learning confidently to unfamiliar problems and real-life contexts.
• Communicate mathematically with accuracy, clarity and reasoning.
• Make strong progress from their starting points, with attainment and misconceptions regularly monitored.

We evaluate impact using:

• Termly assessments and QLA to identify strengths and next steps.
• Day-to-day formative assessment to adapt teaching responsively.
• Progress tracking that informs teaching cycles and curriculum refinement.

Together, these practices ensure our implementation is consistent, sustainable and continually improving so that every child leaves Merrylands confident, capable and ready for the next stage of their mathematical journey.