Mathematics
Intent
Mathematics at Newark Hill Academy – Our Mastery Approach
At Newark Hill Academy, we believe that every child can succeed in mathematics. Our teaching follows the Mastery approach, which focuses on developing deep understanding rather than rushing through topics. This means children learn step by step, make connections, and build confidence in their ability to reason and solve problems. Our approach is guided by the Five Big Ideas of Mastery:
- Coherence – learning in small, connected steps.
- Representation and Structure – using visuals and models to make ideas clear.
- Mathematical Thinking – encouraging reasoning and problem-solving.
- Fluency – developing efficiency and accuracy.
- Variation – exploring concepts in different ways to deepen understanding.
These principles underpin everything we do and connect to our core values: Challenge, Happiness and Health, Inspired, Life-long Learning, and Diversity.
Challenge
We believe every child can succeed in maths when given the right support and challenge. Through Coherence, we build learning in small, connected steps, so children feel confident tackling new ideas. Variation ensures they see concepts in different ways, deepening understanding and preparing them for more complex problems.
Happiness and Health
Maths should be enjoyable and stress-free. By using Representation and Structure, we make abstract ideas clear and accessible, reducing anxiety and helping children feel secure in their learning. Success in small steps builds confidence, promoting positive mental health and resilience.
Inspired
Our lessons encourage curiosity and creativity. Through Mathematical Thinking, children explore patterns, reason, and explain their ideas. This inspires them to see maths as more than numbers—it’s a way of thinking and problem-solving that connects to the world around them.
Life-long Learning
We aim to give children skills that last a lifetime. Fluency is developed through practice and discussion, so children can recall facts and apply methods efficiently. Combined with reasoning and problem-solving, this prepares them for future learning and real-life situations.
Diversity
Every child is a mathematician. We celebrate different ways of thinking and learning, ensuring maths is inclusive and accessible to all. Through Representation and Structure, we provide multiple entry points for understanding, so every child feels valued and capable.
Implementation
At Newark Hill Academy, we believe that Reasoning and Problem Solving is at the heart of every maths lesson. Our goal is for every child to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts so they can confidently apply their learning in real-life situations.
We follow a bespoke Maths Mastery Learning Journey, which builds knowledge step by step (Coherence) so children make clear connections between ideas. Teachers use manipulatives, images, and models (Representation & Structure) to help children see patterns and relationships, making abstract concepts easier to understand.
Our approach encourages children to think like mathematicians (Mathematical Thinking) by asking questions, explaining their reasoning, and exploring different strategies. We develop Fluency through intelligent practice—children learn to recall facts and use methods efficiently while understanding the ‘why’ behind them. We also use Variation, showing concepts in different ways so children gain a flexible and secure understanding.
Every unit begins with an engaging context linked to our wider curriculum, helping children see how maths connects to the world around them. Lessons include opportunities for reflection, so children build confidence and independence. We believe in whole-class teaching, where all pupils are challenged through Differentiation by Depth—everyone works on the same concept but at different levels of sophistication.
Carefully structured questioning and varied examples deepen understanding and encourage children to make connections. This approach ensures that every child feels included, supported, and inspired to succeed.
Conclusion
Our vision for maths is simple: every child enjoys learning, feels confident, and sees themselves as capable of success. By combining our school values with the Five Big Ideas of Mastery, we create a learning environment where children are challenged, inspired, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.
National Curriculum Mathematics Programmes of Study:
Click here to see how mathematics is delivered in Year 1-6.
Click here to see our approach to Maths in Early years.