At Bedford Hall Methodist, our vision is to equip pupils with key skills, knowledge and vocabulary that will enable them to be successful in all elements of the maths curriculum.  This is embedded through a challenging curriculum delivered through high quality teaching and learning opportunities.

Our Approach

New learning is introduced through the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach:

• Concrete – using practical resources such as counters, bead strings and place-value counters
• Pictorial – using drawings, bar models and visual representations
• Abstract – using numbers and formal written methods

This approach helps children to see the structure of mathematics and build lasting understanding.

Daily Fluency and Retrieval

Alongside the daily maths lesson:

• In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children take part in daily counting sessions to secure strong number fluency.
• In Key Stage 2, children complete a daily fluency session to practise key number facts and core skills.

Regular retrieval ensures knowledge is retained and applied confidently over time.

Early Mathematics (Nursery & Reception)

Strong foundations begin in the Early Years. In Nursery, children develop early mathematical understanding through high-quality interactions, practical exploration and story-based mathematics. We use Story Time Maths to introduce number, pattern, shape and measure through carefully chosen books, songs and structured play. Adults model mathematical language and create rich opportunities for children to count, compare, notice patterns and talk about their thinking.

In Reception, children follow the NCETM Mastering Number programme to secure deep number sense and understanding of numbers to 10 and beyond. This is supplemented with additional Epworth Story Led Maths units to ensure strong development in shape, space and measure. These early foundations are crucial for long-term success in mathematics.

Year 1 to Year 6

Our core primary scheme is the White Rose Education curriculum, carefully sequenced and aligned to the NCETM Curriculum Prioritisation materials and DfE Ready-to-Progress criteria.

Alongside this, we build in carefully planned additional opportunities to strengthen fluency, reasoning and challenge, ensuring all pupils make strong progress from their starting points.

Each class has dedicated curriculum time to develop their number sense and skills in fluency, so they are able to apply their learning in a wide range of contexts.  Skills and knowledge are revised and revisited daily through 'Fluent in Five' practice from Year 1 to Year 6.  Each child also accesses Times Tables Rockstars in school and at home.  Click the link to play! https://play.ttrockstars.com/