The National Curriculum aims to ensure the all pupils;

• become fluent in the fundamentals of maths- through varied and frequent practise 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 variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions

At Stoke Park Infant School we use a mastery approach to teaching mathematics so that all children develop a deep understanding of the mathematics they are learning.

We believe;

• All children need access to the key ideas and building blocks in mathematics

• Our children’s mathematical learning should be built on solid foundations 

• It is important to provide time for children to master the curriculum and offer opportunities for pupils to develop deeper understanding rather than moving onto different content.

We achieve this mastery approach through using these methods;

• Concrete - using real resources such as compare bears or numicon
• Pictorial - drawing pictures to help solve a problem 
• Abstract - writing and interpreting number sentences

This 'CPA' approach ensures all children can access the same learning but in a way that is most appropriate for them. 

What does Mastery mean?

We believe when a child has mastered a mathematical idea then they will be able to;

• Describe it in their own words

• Represent it in different ways

• Explain it to someone else

• Make up some of their own examples

• See connections with other facts and ideas

• Recognise it in new situations