Mathematics at St Ignatius

At St Ignatius, we want every child to see themselves as a mathematician. Through a rich, engaging and well-sequenced maths curriculum, we aim to build strong foundations, spark curiosity and develop confident, independent learners who enjoy challenge.

Intent

At St Ignatius, we believe that mathematics is an essential life skill. Our aim is for every child to develop a deep understanding of mathematical ideas and a lifelong enjoyment of the subject.

We follow a mastery approach that builds fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills for all learners. Through the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach, children explore mathematical ideas in practical, visual and abstract ways to secure strong conceptual understanding.

Our vision is for every child to leave St Ignatius as a confident, curious and independent mathematician.

A St Ignatius Mathematician:

• has a strong understanding of numbers and uses them with confidence
• is quick and flexible with calculations, choosing the best method
• can solve problems and explain their thinking clearly
• can spot patterns and make connections
• enjoys challenges and is not afraid to make mistakes
• is confident, curious and excited about maths

Implementation

We follow the White Rose Maths small steps curriculum, ensuring clear progression and full coverage across the school. Lessons build gradually so children can make links and deepen understanding. We also use Grammarsaurus resources to enrich learning and strengthen reasoning and problem-solving skills.

The CPA approach is used in every year group so pupils can move confidently from hands-on exploration to abstract thinking. Each lesson begins with retrieval practice to help children recall previous learning and make strong connections.

To encourage independence and deeper thinking, we use #challenges – open-ended tasks that invite pupils to explain, justify and extend their reasoning.

We also take part in the NCETM Mastering Number programmes, which support fluency and number sense across the school:

• EYFS to Year 2: building strong number sense, fluency and understanding through practical activities and visual models
• Year 3 – Embedding the Impact: consolidating number relationships and building fluency
• Years 4 & 5 – Mastering Times Tables: developing automaticity and confidence with multiplication and division facts

These programmes ensure that all children have the firm foundations needed for success in mathematics.

Impact

Our maths curriculum ensures that children at St Ignatius:

• develop deep, connected understanding that enables them to recall and apply knowledge with confidence
• can explain their reasoning using clear mathematical language
• show curiosity, resilience and a positive attitude towards challenge

By combining mastery principles, CPA teaching, retrieval practice and #challenges, our pupils leave St Ignatius as confident, enthusiastic mathematicians who can think critically, reason clearly and apply their learning in the wider world.

Times Tables Rockstars (TTRS)

In Key Stage 2, we use Times Tables Rockstars (TTRS) to help children practise and develop their multiplication and division skills. TTRS provides a fun and engaging way for pupils to improve their speed, accuracy and recall of times tables.

Regular TTRS practice helps children:

• become confident and quick with multiplication and division facts
• apply times tables knowledge to problem solving and reasoning tasks
• enjoy challenge and develop a positive attitude towards practising number skills