Mathematics at Thornhill

At Thornhill, we believe that all children can achieve well in mathematics. We want our children to become confident and flexible mathematicians who can use their knowledge to calculate, reason and solve problems.

Our Maths Curriculum

Our curriculum is structured using the NCETM Curriculum Prioritisation materials, which organise mathematics into small, carefully sequenced steps. This enables children to build new learning securely on what they already know and make connections between mathematical ideas.

Teachers use their professional knowledge alongside a range of high-quality resources to bring the curriculum to life. Learning is adapted and broken into smaller steps where needed so that all children can access and make progress within the curriculum.

We work closely with our local Maths Hub and the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) as we continue to develop our Teaching for Mastery approach.

Teaching for Mastery

Our teaching is underpinned by the Five Big Ideas of Teaching for Mastery:

Coherence - Learning is broken into small, connected steps that build on previous knowledge.

Representation and Structure - Carefully chosen practical resources, images and diagrams help children to see and understand mathematical structures.

Mathematical Thinking - Children are encouraged to notice patterns, make connections, explain their thinking and justify their answers.

Fluency - Children develop secure number facts and efficient strategies so that they can calculate confidently and flexibly.

Variation - Carefully chosen examples and questions help children notice mathematical relationships and deepen their understanding.

Fluency and Number

Developing strong number sense is a priority at Thornhill. Children regularly practise and revisit important number facts and mental strategies to develop confidence and fluency.

In Reception and Key Stage 1, we use the NCETM Mastering Number programme to develop secure foundations in number and fluency with key number facts.

In Year 3, Mastering Number builds on and consolidates this Key Stage 1 learning, strengthening children’s understanding of additive relationships and their fluency with numbers within 20. This secure foundation supports children as they move on to more complex mathematics.

Children also use Times Tables Rock Stars to develop fluency with multiplication and division facts.

Reasoning and Problem Solving

Reasoning and problem solving are woven throughout our mathematics curriculum. Children are encouraged to apply their knowledge, make connections, compare strategies and explain how they know. Our aim is for every child to leave Thornhill as a confident, curious and resilient mathematician.

Curriculum Overviews

NCETM Teaching for Mastery - https://www.ncetm.org.uk/teaching-for-mastery/

Time Tables Rock Stars - https://play.ttrockstars.com/public/auth