At HLC Primary, our intent is to inspire an enjoyment of mathematics through positive attitudes, curiosity and discovery. Mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world. Our aim is to equip all our pupils with a high-quality mathematics education that provides them with a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically and an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics.

At the centre of our approach to the teaching of mathematics at HLC Primary is the unwavering belief that all children have the potential to succeed.  We believe that all children need a deep understanding of the mathematics they are learning so that future mathematical learning is built on solid foundations. Our Maths curriculum is arranged in a spiral model, where revisits are planned for, knowledge is embedded over time, and children have opportunities to revisit and deepen their understanding when most appropriate.  Our bespoke Sequence of Learning allow for small steps to ensure that the revisit offers more depth and scope, and progress is secured through this model.

Calculation is at the heart of what we do because it underpins the rest of the mathematical aspects that we teach. We believe in mastering the basics and making connections, so our curriculum offer plans for teaching sequences that allow connections to other subjects.

Vocabulary is prioritised as children enter HLC with low levels of oracy. Teachers dedicate time to explicit teaching of vocabulary at the beginning of teaching sequences, and then have high expectations of this vocabulary to be present in children’s oral and written explanations.

The National Curriculum for Primary Mathematics has three main aims which are at the heart of how the children learn mathematics in school. These are:

• Fluency –The children will have varied and frequent practise with increasingly complex problems over time, so that they can develop understanding and the ability to recall and apply their mathematics rapidly and accurately.
• Reasoning – The children will follow a line of enquiry, investigating relationships and generalisations, developing an argument and justification and proof using mathematical language.
• Problem Solving – The children can apply their mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

Using the Programmes of Study from the National Curriculum for Mathematics we aim to develop:

• an enjoyment and curiosity of mathematics and for children to feel confident to become successful.
• children’s abilities to use and apply mathematics to solve problems in both the classroom and in ‘real life’ contexts.
• a confidence to communicate ideas in written form and orally.
• independent and collaborative ways of working, encouraging children to share ideas and solve problems together.
• a wide range of mathematical vocabulary to be modelled and used in the classroom environment.
• the children’s ability to recall mental facts accurately and quickly and using effective written calculation methods.
• children’s logical thinking, reasoning and ability to problem solve as transferable life skills.