How We Teach Maths: Intent, Implementation, Impact 

Why Is This Important? 

Maths is more than just learning numbers and formulas—it’s about understanding how different ideas connect. Research shows that children learn best when they see these connections. For example, when they work with numbers and also see visual representations (like pictures or objects), their brains form stronger links, helping them understand and remember better. 

Intent: We aim to… 

Use the Connections Model, which helps children link different ways of understanding maths.

These include: 

• Symbols (numbers, equations) 

• Visuals (pictures, diagrams) 

• Language (discussing and explaining ideas) 

• Real-life contexts (applying maths to everyday situations) 

Talking about maths is a big part of this process. Children learn by explaining their thinking, asking questions, and discussing ideas with teachers and classmates. This deepens their understanding and helps them become confident problem solvers. 

What Does This Look Like in the Classroom? (Implementation) 

Here are some key ways we help children build strong mathematical understanding: 

🔹 Thinking, not just doing – Instead of just following steps, children explore why methods work. Questions like, “What’s the same and what’s different?” help them think critically. 

🔹 Explaining their thinking – When children talk through their reasoning, they develop deeper understanding and communication skills. Sentence stems also help children to communicate their ideas with mathematical precision and clarity.  

🔹 Using hands-on resources – Equipment like counters, Numicon, Cuisenaire and diagrams help children visualise problems and make sense of their answers as well as being able to ‘see’ the maths. It is also how children gain conceptual understanding. 

🔹 Making maths real – We use real-life examples, so children see how maths applies to everyday situations, making learning more meaningful.  

🔹 Focusing on depth, not speed – We encourage children to fully understand concepts before moving on, helping them build confidence and long-term skills.  

🔹 Building fluency 

What Is the Impact? 

By learning maths in this way, children: 
✅ See the value of maths in real life 
✅ Feel confident to explore, ask questions, and take risks 
✅ Understand that mistakes are part of learning 
✅ Take pride in their work and progress 
✅ Develop strong problem-solving skills 

✅ Children can reason mathematically 

Impact 

To measure progress, we use a mix of classroom discussions, tests, and teacher assessments. More importantly, we focus on how well children can think, explain, and apply their learning, rather than just getting the right answers.  

By supporting children in this way, we help them become curious, confident, and capable mathematicians—ready to use their skills in the real world!