Maths at Waterbeach Community Primary School

At Waterbeach Community Primary School, we want our children to feel confident, capable and positive about maths. To support this, we use a combination of Ark Maths Mastery and the NCETM Mastering Number programme.

These approaches work together to ensure children develop a strong understanding of number, as well as the ability to reason, explain their thinking and solve problems.

Ark Maths Mastery

Ark Maths Mastery is our main maths curriculum from Reception to Year 6. It is based on the idea that all children can achieve in maths, given the right teaching and time.

Lessons are carefully planned and build step by step so that children:

• Understand maths deeply, rather than memorising methods
• Make connections between different areas of maths
• Use the correct mathematical language to explain their thinking

Children learn together as a class and are supported using practical resources (such as counters, diennes and beadstrings etc.) and pictures before moving on to more abstract ideas.

Children also take part in short sessions called ‘Maths Meetings’, where they revisit key ideas such as number facts and patterns. This is in addition to their maths lessons and helps learning stick over time.

Mastering Number in EYFS and Key Stage 1

Alongside Ark Maths Mastery, we use the NCETM Mastering Number programme to strengthen children’s number sense and confidence with numbers.

In EYFS

In Reception, Mastering Number is used alongside Ark Maths Mastery within our main maths teaching. It supports children to:

• Develop a deep understanding of numbers
• Notice patterns and relationships between numbers
• Build confidence in counting, comparing and combining numbers

This early focus helps children develop a secure foundation for future learning.

In Years 1 and 2

In Key Stage 1, Mastering Number sessions replace Ark Maths Meetings. These short, daily sessions focus specifically on:

• Understanding numbers and how they are made
• Developing fluency with number facts
• Building mathematical confidence and flexibility

This dedicated time helps children become secure with numbers, which supports success across all areas of maths.

How Maths Looks in The Classroom

In maths lessons and sessions, children are encouraged to:

• Use practical equipment and visual representations
• Talk about their thinking and explain their answers
• Learn that making mistakes is part of learning

There is a strong focus on mathematical talk, helping children to use full sentences and correct vocabulary when explaining their ideas.

How You Can Support Your Child at Home

You do not need to teach new methods at home. The most helpful things you can do are:

• Ask your child to explain how they worked something out
• Encourage a positive attitude towards maths
• Use everyday maths activities such as cooking, shopping, telling the time or playing games

Maths methods may look different from when you were at school, but they are designed to help children understand why maths works, not just how to get the answer.

We also have a Year 1 Parent Workshop recording below:

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Our Aim

By using Ark Maths Mastery alongside Mastering Number, we aim to ensure that every child:

• Develops a strong understanding of maths
• Feels confident talking about maths
• Is well prepared for the next stage of their learning

We want children to leave our school believing that they are good at maths and can succeed.