At Brierley Hill Primary School, we believe that mathematics is a fundamental life skill that underpins problem-solving, logical reasoning, and real-world applications. Our curriculum is based on White Rose Maths, adapted to follow the CUSP structure, ensuring:
๐ข Mastery of mathematical concepts – Deep understanding through carefully sequenced lessons.
๐ง Arithmetic taught in its own cycle – Regular fluency practice to develop recall and efficiency.
๐ Enrichment through Maths in Stories – Embedding mathematics within engaging narratives.
๐ Retrieval and fluency focus – Revisiting key skills through structured daily and weekly practice.
๐ฏ Reasoning and problem-solving at the heart of learning – Encouraging critical thinking and exploration.
๐ Standardised assessment through TT Rockstars and SATs / White Rose standardised tests via Smartgrade – Ensuring consistency in tracking progress.
Our ambition is that every child leaves primary school as a confident, resilient mathematician, equipped with the skills to succeed in secondary education and beyond.
In EYFS, mathematics is embedded within the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) for Number and Numerical Patterns, ensuring children develop:
๐ข Early number sense – Recognising and working with numbers through songs, counting, and hands-on activities.
๐ Exploring patterns and relationships – Recognising shapes, sequences, and spatial awareness.
๐ฒ Practical problem-solving – Using real-world scenarios to apply mathematical thinking.
๐งฉ Subitising and composition of number – Understanding how numbers are made up before moving to calculation.
Through structured play and guided instruction, children:
This early exposure ensures a smooth transition into Key Stage 1, where mathematical concepts are built upon systematically.
We follow the White Rose Maths Framework, adapted to CUSP principles, ensuring a carefully sequenced progression of learning.
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Arithmetic on its own cycle – Ensuring fluency in calculations alongside deep conceptual learning.
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Flexible content blocks – Allowing teachers to respond to assessment data and revisit key concepts.
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Maths through stories – Engaging pupils in mathematical concepts through carefully selected books.
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Varied fluency and problem-solving – Ensuring pupils can apply their knowledge flexibly and confidently.
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Standardised assessment via TT Rockstars and SATs / White Rose standardised tests (Smartgrade) – Ensuring progress is measured effectively.
Each maths lesson follows a clear, structured approach, consistent with CUSP pedagogy:
๐ Recognising effort and success from the previous lesson.
๐ Recalling previously taught content to strengthen long-term retention.
๐ Explicit teaching of mathematical vocabulary to ensure pupils can articulate their reasoning.
๐งฎ Explain, Example, Attempt, Apply – Ensuring pupils build fluency before tackling problem-solving.
๐ค Example, Attempt, Apply – Providing structured problem-solving opportunities.
๐ก Applying knowledge to unfamiliar contexts, promoting higher-order thinking.
This consistent lesson structure ensures that pupils develop fluency, problem-solving skills, and deep conceptual understandingโBrierley Hill maths INS….
๐ข Arithmetic runs on a separate cycle, ensuring pupils regularly practise calculations.
๐ง Timed arithmetic drills and retrieval practice – Developing quick and efficient recall.
๐ Tracking arithmetic progress using TT Rockstars.
๐ Developing deep understanding of how numbers work and relate to each other.
๐งฎ Using concrete, pictorial, and abstract (CPA) methods for number exploration.
๐ฒ Games, challenges, and real-world problem-solving to reinforce concepts.
๐ Using high-quality picture books and stories to introduce and reinforce mathematical concepts.
๐ญ Encouraging children to see maths as part of their everyday world.
We ensure that assessment is rigorous, standardised, and used to inform teaching:
๐ TT Rockstars Arithmetic Tracking – Measuring fluency and multiplication recall.
๐ White Rose Standardised Assessments (Smartgrade) – Tracking progress and attainment against national expectations.
๐ Flashback 4 (FB4) recall sessions – Strengthening retrieval and long-term memory.
๐งฎ Formative assessment in lessons – Identifying gaps and misconceptions in real-time.
By combining ongoing formative assessment with standardised testing, we ensure that every pupil's progress is monitored effectively.
By the time pupils leave Brierley Hill Primary, they are:
๐ข Fluent in number facts and efficient in calculations.
๐ง Confident problem-solvers who can think critically.
๐ Able to articulate mathematical reasoning using precise vocabulary.
๐ Well-prepared for KS3 and beyond, with a strong foundation in number, algebra, and geometry.
CUSP Mathematics, rooted in White Rose principles but enhanced with arithmetic cycles, story-based enrichment, and robust assessment via Smartgrade and TT Rockstars, ensures that every child leaves primary school as a skilled, confident, and resilient mathematician.
For more details, including:
๐ White Rose Long-Term Plans with CUSP Adaptations
๐ Maths Through Stories Book List
๐ Arithmetic Fluency Cycle Overview
Please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brierleyhill.dudley.sch.uk.