Welcome to our Maths Curriculum Page
Welcome to our maths curriculum page where you will find a range of information about Maths at Endeavour Academy. Our subject leader for Maths is Miss Kennedy.
INTENT
As Mathematicians at Endeavour Academy, we want our learners to make progress through each year group, acquiring and applying key knowledge so they at least meet the agreed age expectations in Maths. We aim for our children to be successful and accomplished mathematicians who can solve problems efficiently, recall facts fluently and rapidly, and reason mathematically while justifying their reasoning.
A central part of this vision is developing strong foundations in number from the earliest stages. By securing foundational skills—such as early counting principles, number composition, subitising and key instant recall facts (KIRFs)—children develop the confidence and fluency needed to access more complex mathematical ideas later on.
This is essential to everyday life and will provide pupils with the skills required to be financially proficient while understanding and contributing to the world around them.
CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ENDEAVOUR MATHEMATICIAN
• An understanding of mathematical vocabulary, the important concepts and an ability to make connections within mathematics.
• A broad range of skills in using and applying mathematics.
• Fluent knowledge and rapid recall of number facts and the number system, including strong foundations developed through programmes such as Mastering Number and regular practice of KIRFs.
• The ability to show initiative in solving problems in a wide range of contexts, including the new or unusual.
• The ability to think independently and to persevere when faced with challenges, learning from mistakes.
• The ability to reason, generalise and make sense of solutions.
• Fluency in performing written and mental calculations and mathematical techniques.
• A commitment to and passion for the subject.
IMPLEMENTATION
At Endeavour Academy, we follow the National Curriculum for Mathematics using the NCETM Prioritisation Document programme with fidelity. Maths is taught daily through a mastery approach, which involves breaking down complex learning goals into smaller, connected steps to develop children’s understanding from Year 1 to Year 6.
Early Years
In Nursery and Reception, Maths is taught through short daily sessions and embedded within continuous provision. We follow NCETM progression grids and Learning Trajectories, focusing on key concepts such as counting, subitising, comparison, composition, pattern, shape, space and measures.
Reception also follows the Mastering Number programme, which is vital in building strong foundations in number. These foundations secure number sense, early fluency and confidence with key mathematical ideas that underpin future learning.
Mastering Number for KS1 and KS2
In KS1 and KS2, Mastering Number continues to develop children’s fluency, reasoning and recall of number facts. These sessions, delivered in addition to the daily Maths lesson, strengthen pupils’ number sense and ensure secure, automatic recall of key facts—laying the strong foundations required for success in all areas of maths.
KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts)
KIRFs are taught and practised weekly to support fluency and long-term retention. Each year group focuses on a set of facts each half term—such as number bonds, times tables, doubles and halves, and place value facts. Regular retrieval practice helps pupils build confidence and automaticity, forming another essential layer of their strong mathematical foundations.
Underpinning our mastery approach are five ‘big ideas’:
• Coherence – Lessons are broken down into small, connected steps that gradually unfold the concept.
• Representation and Structure – Representations expose the mathematical structure being taught, enabling children to develop deep understanding.
• Mathematical Thinking – Children actively think, reason and discuss mathematical ideas.
• Fluency – Quick recall of facts and procedures, with the flexibility to apply these in different contexts.
• Variation – Carefully sequenced examples highlight patterns, connections and structures.
Our mathematics curriculum is designed and sequenced in order to ensure learning is developed and not repeated over time. Our whole school overview of learning illustrates this and can be viewed here. This overview is used by staff to reinforce, build upon and make links between prior learning in turn supporting pupils to know more and remember more on their journey through school.
IMPACT
The Maths subject leaders, supported by the Headteacher and Senior Leaders, ensure children are progressing as expected in Maths. They regularly monitor planning and children’s work to evaluate curriculum delivery and standards.
Teachers complete Maths assessments termly and this data is moderated and validated in school and across the Trust. Findings inform curriculum developments and ensure that pupils’ strong foundations in number continue to develop across all year groups.
Pupils are also regularly asked to reflect on their learning:
“I enjoy using different equipment like the base 10 and cubes to count. They help me understand my sums.” – Y2 pupil
“In Maths I use the working wall if I get stuck as it will help me remember.” – Y4 pupil
“I know I have been successful in Maths when I use a method I am comfortable with and double check it to ensure I have the correct answer.” – Y5 pupil
“I enjoy the DNA because it warms our brains up and helps us sharpen our arithmetic skills.” – Y6 pupil
At Endeavour Academy, we are committed to using opportunities within Maths to educate our pupils to be the best versions of themselves in order to become valuable and fully rounded members of society. Our Maths curriculum is designed to encompass meaningful SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) development and promote British Values through a variety of engaging learning experiences. You can read more about our integrated approach to personal development through Maths here.
ASPIRATIONS
As part of our commitment to raising aspirations for all pupils we want to develop an understanding in our pupils of how learning Maths can be useful to them in their everyday lives or in their future careers. Here are some jobs pupils can aspire to be as mathematicians:
- Coastguard
- Sound Engineer
- Teacher
- Astronaut
- Theme park Designer
More ideas of careers using maths can be found at First Careers
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD WITH MATHS
- Our help guides for parents provide support to help parents understand the maths and methods their child is using in school.
- Learn and practise maths through playing games. Ideas are available for free via the links here KS1 maths games and KS2 maths games
- Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom, it can happen anywhere. Below are some simple ideas to build maths skills into everyday activities.
EYFS aged children:
- Look out for all numbers you see around the house.
- Count how many steps there are from the gate to the front door or around the garden and talk about the differences in the size of your steps.
- As you tidy up, encourage your child to arrange toys and books in order of size.
- Count how many things are in the fridge or the cupboard.
- Count how many star jumps or hops you and others in your household can do.
- Investigate different coins and talk about their value.
- Play board games which need the use of dice e.g. ludo or snakes and ladders.
- Point out the time on the clock, particularly at breakfast, dinner or bedtime.
KS1 and KS2 children:
- Estimate and take their own, your and other family members measurements – height, weight, shoe size.
- Play games which involve calculating scores e.g board games or online games.
- Calculate the cost of a home delivery or take away.
- Explain how to work out the value of the graduations on the scales on measuring equipment.
- When baking, encourage your child to explain how they would work out quantities to make the recipe for more or less people. e.g for making 18 cupcakes from a recipe for 6.
- Allow your child to be in charge of setting the timer while you cook together, this will develop skills in estimating time and provide opportunities for calculating time durations.
READING IN MATHS
Nurturing a passion for Maths through reading is also a key priority at Endeavour and can foster children’s imagination and creativity and teach them valuable Maths concepts and ideas in a creative and engaging way. Follow this link for maths through stories recommendations