Maths

At ASJ, we believe that every child can succeed in mathematics. Our curriculum follows a mastery approach, ensuring all pupils develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills through carefully sequenced learning. We focus on depth of understanding, with rich, challenging tasks that help children make connections, spot patterns and explain their thinking clearly. By nurturing curiosity and confidence, we aim to grow articulate mathematicians who understand the beauty and power of maths—and how it links to the wider world, including science and computing.

White Rose Maths

At ASJ, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme to deliver a high-quality, mastery-based mathematics curriculum from Reception to Year 6. This approach supports all children in developing deep understanding, fluency and confidence with numbers, while encouraging curiosity, reasoning and problem-solving.

Each unit is broken down into small, manageable steps, allowing children to build knowledge gradually and securely. Lessons follow a consistent structure, beginning with clear modelling and guided practice before moving into independent tasks. The scheme uses a concrete–pictorial–abstract approach, helping children to explore concepts using practical resources, visual representations and formal methods.

To ensure every child keeps up, not catches up, we use pre-teach interventions to introduce key vocabulary and concepts ahead of lessons. This gives children the confidence to access new learning and participate fully. Regular formative assessments and end-of-block reviews help us monitor progress and tailor support, while White Rose’s built-in assessment materials provide clear checkpoints throughout the year.

White Rose Maths is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and supports cross-curricular links, especially in science and computing. At ASJ, it helps us nurture articulate, resilient mathematicians who enjoy exploring patterns, making connections and solving problems with confidence.

Mastering Number

At ASJ, we use the Mastering Number programme to give children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 a strong foundation in early number sense. This national initiative aims to secure firm understanding of number, helping pupils develop fluency, confidence and flexibility with calculation. Through short, focused sessions delivered several times each week, children explore key concepts such as subitising, counting, composition and comparison. The programme is carefully designed to build the essential knowledge children need in the early years and support smooth progression through KS1. Teachers report that Mastering Number strengthens mathematical understanding for all learners, providing solid foundations for future success in maths. At ASJ, it plays an important role in nurturing curious, confident young mathematicians who are ready to thrive as they move through the school.

Multiplication

Multiplication is a key building block in children’s mathematical development at ASJ. It underpins many other areas of maths, including division, fractions, area and problem solving, and supports quick mental calculations that are essential for everyday life. A secure grasp of times tables helps children succeed in upper Key Stage 2, particularly in Year 6 SATs, and builds confidence across the curriculum. That’s why we take a structured, year-by-year approach to teaching multiplication, supported by engaging tools like Times Tables Rock Stars, practical strategies, and regular opportunities to practise and apply knowledge. We want every child to feel confident, fluent and ready to tackle the challenges of real-world maths.

Daily Maths Fluency & Retrieval

At ASJ, we place great importance on daily fluency and retrieval practice to help children build strong, secure mathematical foundations. From Year 2 to Year 6, pupils take part in daily mental maths sessions that strengthen number sense, recall and confidence. In Year 6, this is further supported through our weekly 18 in 10 challenge, designed to sharpen speed, accuracy and exam readiness. Each morning, children also complete maths starter tasks that revisit key concepts, address gaps identified through question‑level analysis, and provide regular opportunities to practise calculation and retrieval. This consistent, carefully planned approach ensures that essential knowledge is continually reinforced, helping pupils to retain learning and apply it with confidence across the curriculum.