Maths at Bedford

Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.”

Shakuntala Devi

At Bedford Primary School we believe that a high quality mathematics education is crucial.  Our maths curriculum aims to develop children's ability to calculate, reason, problem solve and have a good understanding of the basic fundamentals for each year group.   

We have developed our Maths curriculum using the White Rose materials, NCETM small step resources,  DFE catch up guidance and in consultation with Primary Maths consultant Sarah Martin to create our small steps of learning.  Our scheme of learning is designed to support a mastery approach to teaching and learning as well as to support the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum.  We ensure that the three main aims of the National curriculum - fluency, reasoning and problem solving - are included and intertwined in every maths lesson. 

We also ensure we support our children by introducing concepts and giving them the opportunity to build on their abilities by following the concrete,pictorial, abstract approach.  Children have free access to 'choose to use' boxes which allow them to select mathematical equipment at any time to support them with their independent tasks. 

Basic Skills 

As part of our Maths curriculum at Bedford, each year group works on a set of basic skills in order to ensure that each child can access the National Curriculum objectives and make progress. 

Number Bonds and Times Tables - home learning 

Knowing the times table is extremely important.  To help children recall these facts we have subscribed to Times Tables Rockstars.  Usernames and passwords are the same for Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots.  

To help working on number bonds and different counting strategies, we have subscribed to Numbots.  Usernames and passwords are the same for Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots. 

We recommend:

EYFS and year 1 to use Numbots 

Year 2 and 3 to start with Numbots and then move onto TTRS

Years 4, 5 and 6 to use TTRS. 

Year 4 National Curriculum objective 

All children should know all multiplication and division facts up to 12 x 12