Maths
Context
At Fairfield, Mathematics develops confident pupils who can reason clearly, solve problems and recognise the value of mathematical thinking. We want every pupil to build secure knowledge and view the subject positively. Fluency, understanding and carefully chosen challenges help pupils experience success and prepare for the mathematical demands of further learning and everyday life. Our curriculum builds ideas in a deliberate sequence, connecting new concepts with knowledge pupils already understand. Regular practice and revisiting strengthen recall and deepen understanding over time. A commitment to high expectations and teaching for mastery encourages pupils to explain their reasoning, compare approaches and persevere when working through unfamiliar problems.
An Inclusive Curriculum
Our Mathematics curriculum recognises that pupils arrive with different strengths, gaps and levels of confidence. Year 7 assessment helps identify the foundations they need to strengthen. Clear models, practical resources, visual representations and structured talk make concepts accessible, while targeted support and appropriate challenge help pupils engage with increasingly demanding mathematical ideas.
Powerful Knowledge
Pupils develop secure knowledge of mathematical concepts, facts, rules and methods, together with the ability to decide when and how to use them. Topics build carefully on earlier learning, so understanding of fractions and order of operations supports later work with directed numbers. Revisiting important ideas helps pupils make connections and apply knowledge confidently.
Assessment
Assessment includes regular low-stakes checks, topic tests and formal assessments of knowledge taught over time. Teachers use responses to identify misconceptions and plan further support. Clear revision lists and dedicated preparation help pupils know what to practise, while Year 7 baseline assessment provides an early picture of foundational knowledge and areas requiring attention.
Feedback
Pupils receive immediate feedback through discussion, questioning, mini-whiteboards and checking their own work. Topic tests and formal assessments identify strengths and specific gaps. After major assessments, analysis of individual questions helps pupils and families understand priorities, while follow-up lessons and targeted practice support improvement in the methods and concepts that need further attention.
Expert Teaching
Teachers model mathematical methods step by step, explaining their thinking and showing how different representations connect. Pupils practise with guidance before applying ideas more independently. Retrieval activities strengthen recall, while questioning and mini-whiteboards check understanding across the class. Teachers use this information to address errors and adjust teaching as pupils develop confidence.
Literacy
Pupils learn to read mathematical questions carefully, identify key information and interpret specialist vocabulary. Teachers model how to break down worded problems and explain solutions clearly. Structured talk gives pupils opportunities to discuss methods, consider misconceptions and justify answers, strengthening the language and reasoning needed to communicate their mathematical understanding precisely.
Supporting Pupils with SEND
Teachers use Individual Support Plans, thoughtful seating and step-by-step modelling to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Visual and practical representations help make abstract ideas accessible. Collaboration with teaching assistants and the SEND team supports individual needs, while assessment helps identify gaps and shape additional teaching that develops confidence, understanding and independence.
Home Learning
Weekly home learning is set through Sparx Maths, with questions linked to classroom learning and pupils’ individual needs. Teachers use the information it provides to plan follow-up teaching. Independent practice supports preparation for assessments and addresses identified gaps, while Key Stage 4 pupils also complete examination questions to develop familiarity and confidence.
Careers
Mathematics develops logical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to interpret numerical information. These foundations support further study and pathways such as engineering, finance, computing and scientific research. Explaining methods, checking accuracy and persevering with unfamiliar problems also develop habits that pupils can apply across a wide range of working environments and everyday decisions.
