Mathematics & Numeracy

Mathematics is not just a school subject - it is an international language that helps us to make sense of the world.  Numeracy, the practical use of mathematics, is vital in everyday life, from managing household budgets to making informed decisions in society.  Strong numeracy supports the economic health of our nation.

It's essential that children experience mathematcis in ways that are exciting, enjoyable and inclusive.  This builds mathematical resilience - the confidence to tackle challenges and see mistakes as part of learning.  Resilient learners grow into ambitious and capable young people.

In the early years, play is a powerful way for children to explore mathematical ideas.  Through play, they learn to solve problems, spot patterns, make connections, and work with others.  As children grow, they need opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively.  This balance helps them to build on the strong foundations laid in the early years and prepares them for future study and work.  Using examples from local, national and global contexts helps children see how mathematics applies to the real world.  Whether it's understanding statistics in the news, exploring environmental data, or solving practical problems, these experiences make learning meaningful.

A curriculum that emphasises reasoning and problem solving ensures children don't just 'do sums' but learn to think critically, explain their ideas and apply their skills in new situations.  This approach nurtures positive attitudes towards mathematics and supports the wider goals of education - helping children become confident, capable and well-rounded individuals.

Statements of what matter:

The number system is used to represent and compare relationships between numbers and quantities.

Algebra uses symbol systems to express the structure of mathematical relationships.

Geometry focuses on relationships involving shape, space and position, and measurement focuses on quantifying phenomena in the physical world.

Statistics represent data, probability models chance, and both support informed inferences and decisions.