At Cumnor C.E Primary School we aim to develop independent and ambitious mathematicians who strive for excellence and develop their creativity in reasoning and problem solving.  

Our maths curriculum is broad, balanced and tailored for our school. It includes all aspects of mathematics – number, calculation, fractions, measure, geometry, statistics and algebra. Our daily maths lessons begin with an engaging starter activity focused on number and calculation fluency.         

Our approach to teaching mental and written calculation strategies is consistent across the school, making effective use of a wide range of manipulatives and imagery. It allows all pupils to gain confidence and skill at their own level and master in depth the knowledge being taught. Learning is frequently revisited to commit facts and strategies to long term memory.

Pupils participate in a wide range of learning experiences that include the use of ICT, practical work, investigations and games. We encourage the use of informal jottings and drawings as well as more formal written calculations where appropriate. Problem solving and reasoning are embedded throughout the curriculum and taught routinely.

Over the last few years we have enhanced our curriculum with mathematical themes such as a whole school problem solving maths day and an ‘Enterprise week’. Each year our most able mathematicians in Years 4,5 and 6 have the opportunity to take part in Primary Maths Challenges. We run maths based after school clubs which are well attended. We always look for opportunities to develop key mathematical skills across the wider curriculum. One example is the Y4 chess lessons (see enrichment page).

We enable our children to achieve highly and most of all,  we want our pupils to enjoy mathematics as a tool for life and for its own sake. 

Diane Axford (Maths co-ordinator)