Here at Cottam, we believe that our maths Curriculum will nurture a love for maths through a secure knowledge of key skills.  We aim to develop confident mathematicians at problem solving and reasoning, whilst exploring the links to the world around us with cross curricular maths.  We follow the National Curriculum for Mathematics and teach a daily mathematics lesson.  We 'teach for mastery' whereby essentially the expectation is that all pupils will gain a deep understanding of the maths they are learning.  For understanding in maths to be secure, learning needs to be built on solid foundations.  A mastery approach to the curriculum means pupils spend longer on the key mathematical concepts whilst working at greater depth.  Long term gaps in learning are prevented through speedy teacher intervention and those children who grasp the concepts more quickly are given opportunities to deepen their knowledge and improve their reasoning skills rather than accelerating on to new curriculum content.  Problem solving is central and opportunities are given for pupils to calculate with confidence, ensuring an understanding of why it works so that pupils understand what they are doing rather than just learning to repeat procedures. 

Here at Cottam, we have chosen to follow the White Rose Mathematics scheme of work and this is being personalised and adapted using NCETM materials, to ensure we meet the needs of our children. 

Mastering Number Programme

Cottam Primary School is taking part in the Mastering Number Programme. The project aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children, from Foundation 2 through to Year 1 and Year 2.

The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Foundation 2 and progression through KS1, to support success in the future.