Numeracy and Mathematics
At Earlston Primary School, we aim to help every child become confident and capable in using mathematics in everyday life. Our approach encourages curiosity, problem-solving and resilience, supporting children to see maths as meaningful, enjoyable and connected to the world around them.
We aim to enable all pupils to:
Our Approach to Learning and TeachingMathematics is taught across the key organisers of:
Across all of these areas, pupils develop problem-solving and enquiry skills, applying their knowledge in real and relevant ways.
We use a wide variety of learning opportunities that encourage children to say, make, write and do, allowing them to learn at their own pace and level. Lessons include whole-class teaching, small group tasks and independent learning, often linked to wider interdisciplinary topics.
We aim to enable all pupils to:
- Develop essential numeracy skills that allow them to participate fully in modern society.
- Gain a secure understanding of mathematical concepts, principles and processes, and apply these in different contexts.
- Recognise the importance and impact of mathematics in our world and its potential for the future.
Our Approach to Learning and TeachingMathematics is taught across the key organisers of:
- Number, Money and Measurement
- Shape, Position and Movement
- Information Handling
Across all of these areas, pupils develop problem-solving and enquiry skills, applying their knowledge in real and relevant ways.
We use a wide variety of learning opportunities that encourage children to say, make, write and do, allowing them to learn at their own pace and level. Lessons include whole-class teaching, small group tasks and independent learning, often linked to wider interdisciplinary topics.
Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) Approach
We use the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) approach to teaching mathematics. This means learners first explore new concepts using concrete materials (such as blocks or counters), then move on to pictorial representations (such as drawings or diagrams), before finally working with abstract numbers and symbols.
This progression helps children build deep understanding — they don’t just memorise processes, but truly understand what the maths means and how to apply it with confidence.
We use the Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract (CPA) approach to teaching mathematics. This means learners first explore new concepts using concrete materials (such as blocks or counters), then move on to pictorial representations (such as drawings or diagrams), before finally working with abstract numbers and symbols.
This progression helps children build deep understanding — they don’t just memorise processes, but truly understand what the maths means and how to apply it with confidence.
Core Number Skills
We place a strong emphasis on developing children’s core number bonds in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
To support this, we use Basic Maths Facts Progressions — a structured approach that helps pupils build speed and accuracy with key number facts in a logical order. Regular low-stakes assessments allow children and teachers to identify progress and highlight areas that may need further practice. Fun, active games are then used to help children strengthen their recall in those specific areas.
We place a strong emphasis on developing children’s core number bonds in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
To support this, we use Basic Maths Facts Progressions — a structured approach that helps pupils build speed and accuracy with key number facts in a logical order. Regular low-stakes assessments allow children and teachers to identify progress and highlight areas that may need further practice. Fun, active games are then used to help children strengthen their recall in those specific areas.
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In addition, pupils use XtraMath, an engaging online programme that provides short, daily practice sessions to reinforce number fluency and mental agility.
The programme recognises when children have developed quick recall of number facts and adapts questions to suit their individual progress. Children can access XtraMath both in school and at home, allowing regular, consistent practice in a fun and supportive way. |
Magma Maths
Across the school, we use Magma Maths, an engaging and interactive online platform that helps teachers and pupils track progress and build confidence in key mathematical skills.
Magma Maths provides regular opportunities for children to practise mental calculations and apply their learning in short, focused sessions. The programme automatically adapts to each learner’s level, offering personalised challenges that stretch understanding while reinforcing core skills.
Teachers use the information gathered from Magma Maths to identify strengths and next steps for each pupil, ensuring that learning is targeted and supportive. Instant feedback allows children to see their progress clearly and encourages them to take pride in their achievements.
The interactive format makes maths fun and motivating, helping children to develop speed, accuracy and confidence — key ingredients for success in numeracy and beyond.
Across the school, we use Magma Maths, an engaging and interactive online platform that helps teachers and pupils track progress and build confidence in key mathematical skills.
Magma Maths provides regular opportunities for children to practise mental calculations and apply their learning in short, focused sessions. The programme automatically adapts to each learner’s level, offering personalised challenges that stretch understanding while reinforcing core skills.
Teachers use the information gathered from Magma Maths to identify strengths and next steps for each pupil, ensuring that learning is targeted and supportive. Instant feedback allows children to see their progress clearly and encourages them to take pride in their achievements.
The interactive format makes maths fun and motivating, helping children to develop speed, accuracy and confidence — key ingredients for success in numeracy and beyond.