⭐ “Children across school demonstrate enthusiasm for maths and behaviour for learning is good; the learning environment was calm and children actively engaged in their learning.”
— Trust Maths Support Visit November 2025
Maths at St. Ignatius
At St. Ignatius, mathematics is a vital part of our curriculum and an important life skill. Our aim is for every child to become a confident, resilient and capable mathematician who can apply their understanding to a range of problems and real-life situations.
We believe that all children can succeed in mathematics. Our teaching focuses on developing fluency, reasoning and problem-solving so pupils leave St. Ignatius well prepared for the next stage of their education.
Our Maths Curriculum
Our mathematics curriculum is designed to ensure pupils:
- develop fluency in key mathematical concepts
- reason mathematically and explain their thinking
- apply their knowledge to solve a range of problems
- build confidence, resilience and independence as learners
Learning follows the National Curriculum and is carefully sequenced so that new knowledge builds on prior learning.
How Maths is Taught
Mathematics is taught daily across the school. Lessons focus on developing conceptual understanding alongside fluency and problem solving.
We follow a Teaching for Mastery approach, supported by the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) model:
Concrete – using practical resources and manipulatives
Pictorial – representing ideas using diagrams and models
Abstract – applying understanding using numbers and symbols
This helps pupils develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts.
Teaching for Understanding
Our teaching is strongly influenced by Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, ensuring learning is carefully structured and accessible for all pupils.
Mathematics lessons typically include:
- retrieval of prior learning
- explicit teacher modelling
- guided practice (I do → We do → You do)
- opportunities for discussion and reasoning
- frequent checks for understanding
Teachers actively identify and address misconceptions during lessons, adapting teaching where needed so that pupils are secure before moving on.
Developing Confident Mathematicians
Across the school we place strong emphasis on:
Mathematical vocabulary – pupils are encouraged to explain their thinking clearly.
Reasoning and discussion – partner talk and questioning help deepen understanding.
Fluency and recall – including number facts and times tables.
Problem solving – applying knowledge in different contexts.
Our classrooms promote a positive mathematical culture, where pupils feel confident to take risks, learn from mistakes and challenge themselves.
Maths Through School
Early Years
Children develop early mathematical understanding through counting, pattern, shape and practical exploration.
Key Stage 1
Pupils build strong number sense and develop fluency with number bonds and early calculation strategies.
Key Stage 2
Children deepen their understanding of number, fractions, measurement, geometry and statistics, while developing reasoning and problem-solving skills.
What a Maths Lesson Looks Like at St Ignatius
Mathematics lessons at St Ignatius follow a clear and consistent structure to ensure that all pupils can succeed. Our teaching is informed by Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, helping pupils build understanding step by step.
A typical maths lesson includes:
Retrieval of prior learning
Short review activities help pupils recall key knowledge and number facts, strengthening long-term memory and fluency.
Explicit teacher modelling
Teachers demonstrate strategies step by step, thinking aloud so pupils understand how mathematicians approach problems.
Guided practice
Pupils practise new learning together with the teacher through discussion, partner talk and carefully structured questions.
Independent application
Children apply their learning independently, developing confidence and problem-solving skills.
Checking for understanding
Teachers use questioning, discussion and assessment to identify misconceptions and adapt teaching where needed.
This approach ensures that all pupils experience high levels of success and build confidence as mathematicians.
The Impact of Our Maths Curriculum
Our approach to mathematics ensures that pupils:
- develop confidence and enjoyment in maths
- build secure understanding of mathematical concepts
- explain their reasoning using accurate mathematical language
- become independent problem solvers
At St Ignatius we encourage pupils to approach mathematics with curiosity, perseverance and confidence, supporting one another and celebrating learning together.