At St Nicholas Primary School, our Mathematics curriculum is designed to ensure that children develop a deep, long-term, secure and adaptable understanding of maths.

Children are introduced to new mathematical concepts using concrete resources and pictorial representations before progressing to abstract methods. This approach helps pupils build confidence and understanding at every stage.

Our curriculum ensures that children:

• become fluent in number facts

• apply their maths skills to real-life contexts

• investigate patterns

• reason mathematically

• solve problems with confidence

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In the EYFS, children are introduced to numbers and counting and begin to use basic mathematical language. They learn numbers to 10 and start to recall simple number bonds.

An enjoyment of maths and problem solving is encouraged through games and practical activities. Much of the learning comes from exploring and talking about maths in the world around them.

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Key Stage 1

Year 1

Children begin to build confidence with numbers by developing counting and calculation skills. They:

• learn about halves and quarters

• start measuring and telling the time

• explore 2D and 3D shapes

• count forwards and backwards to 100

• add and subtract numbers to 20

• are introduced to multiplication and division

Practical equipment is used to support problem solving.

Year 2

Children continue to strengthen their calculation skills and learn different methods for multiplication and division. They:

• extend their understanding of fractions

• measure length, weight, volume, temperature, time and money

• explore statistics

• learn the 2, 5 and 10 times tables

• count in steps of 2, 3, 5 and 10

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Key Stage 2

Year 3

Children develop formal written calculation methods and deepen their understanding of fractions, including tenths. They:

• find perimeters of 2D shapes

• use the 24-hour clock

• recognise angles

• work with bar charts

• learn the 3, 4, 6 and 8 times tables

Year 4

Children work with larger numbers and fractions, including decimals and negative numbers. They:

• convert units of measurement

• calculate area and perimeter

• learn Roman numerals

• use coordinate grids and line graphs

• master all times tables up to 12 × 12

Year 5

Children apply all four operations to solve problems. They:

• learn about prime, square and cube numbers

• work with factors and multiples

• use long multiplication and short division

• explore decimals, fractions and percentages

• round numbers up to 1,000,000

Year 6

Children apply existing knowledge while developing new skills to solve more complex problems. They:

• work with numbers up to 10 million

• learn about algebra and ratio

• calculate volume and explore circles

• interpret pie charts and averages

• use long division

• calculate with fractions, decimals and percentages

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How Can I Support My Child with Maths?

You don’t need to be a maths expert to help your child. Simple everyday activities make a big difference.

Use mathematical language

Encourage words such as add, total, difference, subtract, fewer and sum.
For example: “The difference between 7 and 3 is 4.”

Go shopping

Ask your child to round prices, estimate totals, or check change using subtraction.

Explore different methods

Encourage your child to explain how they worked something out and try more than one method.

Practise times tables

Sing, chant or play games. Use real-life examples such as multipacks when shopping.

Play guessing games

Describe 2D or 3D shapes and ask your child to guess, draw or build them.

Bake together

Measure ingredients using scales, cups or spoons. Compare metric and imperial units.

Check the time

Read analogue and digital clocks, use timetables and practise converting between 12- and 24-hour time.

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Useful Websites

BBC Bitesize
Videos, games and activities for all primary maths topics.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary

MyMiniMaths
Extra arithmetic practise for Key Stage 2, with supporting YouTube videos.
https://myminimaths.co.uk/

Math Playground
A wide range of interactive maths games to support learning.
https://www.mathplayground.com/

Oxford Owl
Printable worksheets, videos and fun maths activities.
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/kids-activities/fun-maths-games-and-activities/

Topmarks
Interactive maths games covering a wide range of topics.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/

Times Tables Rock Stars
A fun way to practise instant recall of times tables.
All children in Years 2–6 have their own login.
https://ttrockstars.com