Across the Black Country Federation, we see mathematics as an essential life skill. It develops logical thinking, resilience and the ability to solve problems both in school and in everyday life.

Our maths curriculum is built on the White Rose Maths framework and adapted to follow the CUSP structure. This allows us to provide a carefully sequenced curriculum that helps children build secure understanding over time.

We focus on:

• Developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through carefully planned lessons.
• Teaching arithmetic as a distinct, regular cycle to strengthen fluency and recall.
• Using high-quality texts to support “Maths Through Stories” so that children see maths in meaningful contexts.
• Embedding regular retrieval practice to help knowledge move into long-term memory.
• Placing reasoning and problem-solving at the centre of learning.
• Using consistent assessment systems, including TT Rockstars and White Rose standardised tests via Smartgrade, to track progress accurately.

Our aim is for every child to leave primary school as a confident and capable mathematician, ready for the challenges of secondary education.

Mathematics in EYFS: Building Strong Foundations

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, mathematics is taught through the Early Learning Goals for Number and Numerical Patterns. Children develop early mathematical understanding through structured play, exploration and guided teaching.

In EYFS, children:

• Build early number sense through counting, songs and practical activities.
• Explore patterns, shapes and spatial awareness.
• Begin solving simple real-life problems.
• Develop understanding of subitising and how numbers are composed before moving into formal calculation.

We use practical resources such as Numicon, cubes and ten frames to help children explore numbers in hands-on ways. Through construction, role play, stories and discussion, children begin to see how maths connects to the world around them.

This secure start ensures a smooth transition into Key Stage 1, where learning builds in a clear and systematic way.

A Structured and Progressive Curriculum

Our maths curriculum follows the White Rose framework, shaped by CUSP principles. Learning is sequenced carefully so that new knowledge builds on what has been taught before.

Key features include:

• A dedicated arithmetic cycle to build fluency alongside conceptual understanding.
• Flexible content blocks so teachers can revisit concepts where needed.
• Maths taught through carefully chosen stories to deepen understanding.
• A strong emphasis on both fluency and problem-solving.
• Standardised assessments through TT Rockstars and White Rose (Smartgrade) to monitor progress consistently.

What a Maths Lesson Looks Like

Maths lessons across the Black Country Federation follow a consistent structure to support learning:

1. Celebration
   Recognising effort, progress and success from previous learning.
2. Flashback 4 (FB4)
   Retrieval practice to revisit key knowledge and strengthen long-term retention.
3. Vocabulary Teaching
   Explicit teaching of mathematical language so pupils can explain their thinking clearly.
4. Fluency Practice
   Pupils move through explanation, worked examples and guided attempts before applying skills independently.
5. Reasoning and Problem-Solving
   Structured opportunities to think deeply and apply learning in different contexts.
6. Challenge
   Extension questions that encourage higher-level thinking and application in unfamiliar situations.

This structure supports confidence, independence and secure understanding.

Core Areas of Focus

Arithmetic

Arithmetic is taught regularly as its own cycle to ensure children develop speed, accuracy and confidence with calculations. Timed practice and retrieval activities help strengthen recall. Progress in multiplication and division facts is tracked through TT Rockstars.

Number Sense and Place Value

A strong understanding of number is central to success in maths. We use the concrete, pictorial and abstract (CPA) approach so that pupils explore concepts practically before moving to written methods. Games and real-life problems help deepen understanding.

Maths Through Stories

High-quality texts are used to introduce and reinforce mathematical ideas. This helps children see maths as meaningful and connected to everyday life, rather than a set of isolated procedures.

Assessment in Mathematics

Assessment is used carefully to inform teaching and ensure progress for all pupils.

We use:

• TT Rockstars to track arithmetic fluency and multiplication recall.
• White Rose standardised assessments (Smartgrade) to measure attainment against national expectations.
• Flashback 4 retrieval practice to strengthen long-term memory.
• Ongoing formative assessment within lessons to identify misconceptions quickly.

By combining daily assessment with formal testing, we ensure that gaps are addressed promptly and progress is carefully monitored.

The Impact of Our Maths Curriculum

By the time pupils leave our school, they:

• Have secure recall of key number facts.
• Calculate accurately and efficiently.
• Approach problems with confidence and resilience.
• Explain their reasoning using precise mathematical vocabulary.
• Are well prepared for Key Stage 3, with strong foundations in number, algebra and geometry.

Our approach to mathematics, rooted in White Rose principles and strengthened through CUSP structure, arithmetic fluency and meaningful enrichment, ensures that every child develops the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.

Further Information

For more information, including:

• White Rose long-term plans with CUSP adaptations
• Maths Through Stories book list
• Arithmetic fluency cycle overview

Please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at
info@brockmoor.dudley.sch.uk.