At Firthmoor Primary School, we aim to ensure that our pupils can confidently and competently apply basic number facts and calculation methods in solving mathematical problems across the curriculum.

At our school, we aim to help every child develop confidence and enjoyment in maths. Our lessons are carefully planned using objectives from the National Curriculum for Mathematics (England), ensuring children build strong skills in fluency, reasoning and problem solving.

We use White Rose Maths as a planning tool to support our teaching, adapting it to meet the needs of our pupils and our school. Through this approach, we help children develop secure mathematical knowledge, deepen their understanding and apply their learning in a range of meaningful ways.

Cohort Long Term Overview for Maths

Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract

In maths, children encounter objects, pictures, words, numbers and symbols. Our teaching uses a mastery approach that brings all of these elements together to help pupils explore mathematical ideas, deepen their understanding and show what they know. This approach supports children in developing a secure understanding of key concepts before moving on.

When a new concept is introduced, all pupils have the opportunity to develop confidence by working through three stages:

Concrete – Children first use real objects and manipulatives to explore and explain mathematical ideas. This hands-on approach helps them make sense of what they are learning.

Pictorial – Pupils then represent their understanding using pictures and diagrams. These visual representations help them explain their thinking, reason about problems and make connections.

Abstract – Once children have a secure understanding, they move on to using numbers, symbols and mathematical language to solve problems and apply their knowledge with confidence.