Maths
Mathematics from the Ancient Greek máthēma means ‘knowledge, study, learning’. It is an area of knowledge which includes the study of arithmetic and number theory.
wensum junior calculation policy 2024 v1.pdf
Our vision
At Wensum, we recognise the crucial role that high-quality mathematics teaching plays in a child’s education and future life opportunities. Our aim is for pupils to develop secure, efficient calculation strategies, strong arithmetic fluency, and the ability to reason and solve problems independently. We want all pupils to leave Wensum as confident, resilient mathematicians who can apply their knowledge flexibly and explain their thinking with clarity.
Our curriculum is built around the White Rose Maths scheme and is strengthened with high-quality materials from Angles Maths Hub (NCETM), Deepening Understanding and other mastery-aligned resources. This ensures pupils gain deep conceptual knowledge, procedural fluency and secure understanding of mathematical structures and relationships.
Yearly Overviews
maths year group overviews.pdf
How mathematics is taught at Wensum
Daily Maths Meeting (Retrieval)
Pupils take part in daily retrieval sessions focused on skills or content needed for the lesson. This session revisits previously taught content and key facts, which could include number bonds, place value, formal methods, fractions knowledge and shape/measure vocabulary—to ensure the children can access the core concept that is being taught in that lesson.
Times Tables & Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
Improving times table fluency is a school priority, directly informed by outcomes in the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) and by IDSR data showing low progress against national in 2023 and 2024.
Our approach includes:
- Daily times-table fluency practice
- Rapid recall sessions using a blend of written, verbal and digital tasks
- Structured practice aligned to White Rose and the DfE MTC framework
- Weekly teacher assessment of recall accuracy and response speed
- Targeted precision-teaching for pupils who are not yet secure
- Additional fluency sessions in Year 4 to ensure readiness for the MTC
- Use of TT Rockstars and other platforms to increase engagement and automaticity
MTC Outcomes
- 2023 MTC Result: Average point score: School 11.7 (National 20.2)
- 2024 MTC Result: Average point score: School 14.3 (National 20.6)
- 2025 MTC Result: Average point score: School 21.8 (National 21.0). This is a significant increase.
Our 2025-2026 MTC strategy aims to significantly improve automatic recall, providing a stronger foundation for KS2 arithmetic and reasoning.
The CPA (Concrete/Pictorial/Abstract) Approach
The CPA approach underpins teaching throughout the school and supports mastery of key concepts, where appropriate. Pupils experience:
Concrete
Use of manipulatives (e.g., dienes, place-value counters, fraction tiles) to represent and explore key structures.
Pictorial
Use of diagrams, models, bar representations and number lines to visualise relationships and explain reasoning.
Abstract
Confident movement to formal written methods, symbolic representation and flexible reasoning once conceptual understanding is secure.
This ensures pupils understand why methods work before they apply them independently.
Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving
Every maths lesson at Wensum incorporates all three elements required by the National Curriculum:
Fluency
- Secure, efficient recall of key facts
- Confident use of mental and written calculation strategies
- Ability to transfer knowledge across contexts
Reasoning
- Use of mathematical vocabulary to justify thinking
- Explaining methods, identifying errors and proving solutions
- Using representations to communicate understanding
Problem Solving
- Applying knowledge in unfamiliar or multi-step situations
- Making connections across mathematical strands
- Tackling real-life and contextualised challenges
White Rose Maths
White Rose Maths forms the spine of our curriculum. It provides a coherent, well-sequenced progression of knowledge from Year 3 to Year 6, focusing on deep understanding and mastery of core concepts.
Teachers adapt and enrich White Rose planning using:
- Maths Hub (NCETM) problem-solving tasks
- Deepening Understanding reasoning challenges
- Additional mastery materials to extend or scaffold learning
This ensures all pupils—regardless of starting point—are given access to high-quality mathematical thinking and challenge.
Assessment, Standards & Accountability
Wensum uses a rigorous assessment and moderation approach that aligns with national expectations.
Assessment includes:
- Ongoing teacher assessment against National Curriculum objectives
- Half-termly assessments to check coverage, fluency and application
- Termly arithmetic and reasoning tests
- Pupil conferencing to check conceptual understanding
- Regular analysis of pupil groups, focusing on readiness for SATs and MTC
Moderation:
- Termly internal moderation to ensure consistency of judgements
- External moderation with partner schools to validate accuracy
- Year 6 teaching informed directly by the KS2 SATs frameworks
Outcomes (SATs)
KS2 SATs Results (Expected Standard)
- 2023 Mathematics SATs Result: School: 43% (National 73%)
- 2024 Mathematics SATs Result: School: 48% (National 73%)
- 2025 Mathematics SATs Result: School: 76% (National 74%). This is a significant increase.
Useful websites
https://www.sumdog.com/user/sign_in
https://sso.prodigygame.com/login?rid=c0c34131-3996-4942-9dd9-b35b902e1535