Mathematics
The Black Country Schools Federation
Mathematics Curriculum
A curriculum that builds fluent, confident and flexible problem-solvers
At The Black Country Schools, we believe that mathematics is a vital skill for life. Our curriculum ensures that all pupils develop secure fluency, conceptual understanding, and the ability to reason and solve problems across all strands of the mathematics national curriculum.
Our mathematics curriculum is based on the White Rose Maths Framework, adapted to follow the CUSP structure. This enables consistent progression, high-quality instruction, and precise retrieval across all year groups.
Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum is designed to ensure pupils:
- Develop secure number sense and fluency in calculation.
- Understand mathematical concepts deeply through a coherent, sequenced curriculum.
- Apply their knowledge flexibly in unfamiliar contexts.
- Use precise mathematical vocabulary to explain their reasoning.
- Enjoy mathematics through stories, games, and challenge.
Mathematics in EYFS: Foundations for Fluency
In Early Years, mathematics is embedded through the Number and Numerical Patterns ELGs. Pupils develop:
- Number sense and subitising through practical exploration.
- Understanding of composition and comparison of numbers.
- Pattern recognition and early spatial awareness.
- Early problem-solving through real-life play and structured adult interaction.
Children use manipulatives, stories, games, and songs to build the foundations for number and reasoning that are secured in KS1.
Implementation: What Maths Looks Like at Black Country Schools
We follow a consistent approach across the federation:
- White Rose Maths is our core framework.
- CUSP principles underpin our sequence, delivery, and review.
- Arithmetic is taught on its own weekly cycle with rapid retrieval and precision coaching.
- Fluency and reasoning are planned with equal weight.
- Maths Through Stories embeds application in real-world and imaginative contexts.
- Assessment is rigorous, standardised, and tracked through Smartgrade.
Lesson Design and CUSP Structure
Each lesson includes:
- Celebration and Review – Reflecting on prior learning.
- Flashback 4 – Spaced retrieval to strengthen long-term memory.
- Vocabulary Focus – Teaching Tier 2 and Tier 3 mathematical terms explicitly.
- Fluency Sequence – Explain → Example → Attempt → Apply.
- Reasoning Practice – Applying skills to varied contexts.
- Challenge Question – Stretching pupils to explain, justify, and evaluate solutions.
This structure ensures clarity, consistency, and progression across the federation.
Arithmetic: Precision, Fluency, Mastery
- Taught weekly on a separate cycle from the main maths lesson.
- Drills and timed practice using structured retrieval routines.
- Tracked via TT Rockstars and fed into Smartgrade for progress monitoring.
Maths Through Stories
- Carefully selected texts enhance concept acquisition and contextual understanding.
- Picture books used in EYFS, KS1 and LKS2 to introduce concepts.
- Non-fiction texts in UKS2 support deeper understanding of pattern, structure and systems.
Assessment and Progression
Assessment is built into the fabric of our curriculum:
- Smartgrade provides standardised tracking aligned to White Rose end points.
- TT Rockstars measures arithmetic and times tables fluency weekly.
- Flashback 4 and vocabulary quizzes monitor retrieval.
- Formative assessment in lessons ensures teaching adapts to pupil needs.
Enrichment and Aspiration
We actively promote mathematics beyond the classroom:
- Participation in the Dudley Maths Championships for challenge and competition.
- Maths as part of real-world problem-solving days and cross-curricular projects.
- Maths Clubs and celebration of National Numeracy Day across the federation.
Impact: What Pupils Leave With
By the end of KS2, pupils at The Black Country Schools are:
- Fluent in number and confident in calculation.
- Able to solve problems in unfamiliar contexts using flexible strategies.
- Mathematically articulate, using vocabulary with precision.
- Ready for KS3 mathematics and able to reason, explain, and explore independently.
Further Information
For:
- CUSP-aligned White Rose Long-Term Maps
- Arithmetic Fluency Cycles
- Maths Through Stories Resource List
Please contact our Maths Lead:
Susanna Brooks – info@brockmoor.dudley.sch.uk
