Fishburn Primary School

Fishburn Primary School
Small But Mighty!

Maths

“The only way to learn maths, is to do maths.” – Paul Halmos

Our Subject Leader for Maths is Mr Parkin

Maths at Fishburn: At a Glance

At Fishburn Primary School, we are proud to be a White Rose Maths Champion School. We teach maths through a mastery approach, ensuring all children build deep understanding, confidence and fluency.

In every maths lesson, children practise:

  • Fluency (quick recall and accuracy)
  • Reasoning (explaining and proving)
  • Problem Solving (applying skills in different contexts)

We are ambitious for every pupil and support children to achieve through high-quality teaching, structured progression and targeted intervention when needed.

Intent

At Fishburn Primary School, we believe every child can succeed in maths. Our curriculum is designed to develop fluent, confident mathematicians who can reason, solve problems and apply maths in real-life situations.

We want children to:

  • build secure understanding (not rote learning)
  • use mathematical vocabulary confidently
  • develop confidence through mathematical talk and explanation
  • enjoy challenge and persevere when learning is tricky

Implementation

Daily Maths Structure (Non-Negotiables)

Across the school, maths is taught through a consistent approach which supports fluency, depth and high expectations.

1) Daily Fluency (10–15 minutes)
Fluency is delivered daily as part of basic skills and supports rapid recall and number confidence.

  • Years 1–4: Fluency Bee (White Rose)
  • Years 5–6: Fluent in Five (Third Space Learning)

2) Main Maths Lesson (45–60 minutes)
Lessons are based on the White Rose Maths Scheme, enhanced with:

  • fluency retrieval tasks
  • visual representations and the CPA approach
  • reasoning and problem solving opportunities
  • NCETM Mastery and Greater Depth challenges

3) NRICH Enrichment
To deepen thinking and develop rich discussion, children complete at least one NRICH task per block of work.

EYFS Maths

In EYFS, children develop strong foundations through daily opportunities to explore:

  • counting and number
  • number composition
  • early addition and subtraction
  • shape, space and measure

EYFS learning is supported by:
✅ White Rose Maths
✅ NCETM Mastering Number
✅ Development Matters Framework

Years 1–6 Maths Lessons

We follow the White Rose Maths scheme from Year 1 to Year 6 to ensure clear progression and high expectations.

All lessons follow a consistent structure to support progression and depth:

  • Review & retrieval (revisiting prior learning)
  • New learning input (clear modelling using CPA)
  • Guided practice (support, scaffolding and talk partners)
  • Independent practice (fluency and problem-solving tasks)
  • Exit discussion (review misconceptions and reasoning)

Lessons include:
✅ Fluency practice
✅ Reasoning and discussion
✅ Problem solving tasks
✅ Models and resources to deepen understanding

We also use the NCETM Ready-to-Progress criteria to strengthen learning, intervention and end-of-year expectations.

Supporting All Learners

We are ambitious for all pupils, including those who need extra help and those working at greater depth.

We support children through:

  • carefully scaffolded tasks and clear modelling
  • practical resources and representations
  • targeted questioning and feedback
  • same-day intervention when misconceptions arise
  • challenge tasks that deepen thinking, not just “more work”
  • “low floor, high ceiling” opportunities to allow all pupils to access learning and achieve success

Assessment & Impact

Teachers constantly check understanding through:

  • questioning and discussions
  • mini checks in lessons
  • work in books
  • live feedback

Block Assessment:
Children complete entry and exit slips at the start and end of each White Rose block. These help teachers to identify gaps, misconceptions and readiness to move on.

Termly Assessment:
Children complete termly assessments to support pupil progress tracking and intervention planning.

Assessment information is used to ensure children make strong progress from their starting points.

We measure impact through:

  • pupil outcomes
  • progress over time
  • confidence and independence in maths
  • high standards in books and lessons

✅ Maths at Home: Parent & Carer FAQs

What does “mastery” mean in maths?

Mastery means children build a deep understanding of a concept before moving on. They learn to explain their reasoning and apply their skills confidently.

What is White Rose Maths?

White Rose Maths is a high-quality scheme used nationally. It supports pupils to learn in small steps with clear progression and strong reasoning and problem solving.

How can I support my child at home?

Simple ways to help include:

  • practising times tables regularly
  • talking about numbers in everyday life (shopping, time, money)
  • encouraging your child to explain how they worked something out
  • using online practice recommended by school

What if my child finds maths difficult?

We support children quickly and carefully. Teachers use practical resources, small-step teaching and intervention to address misconceptions and build confidence.

What if my child is working at greater depth?

Children are challenged through deeper reasoning tasks and problem solving that stretch thinking and encourage them to prove and justify answers.

Do children learn times tables?

Yes. Times tables are taught progressively across the school and regularly practised to develop fluency and confidence.

✅ Useful Downloads

  • Calculation Policy
  • Times Tables Guidance
  • White Rose Parent Resources
  • Year Group Maths Overviews
  • End of Year Expectations