Our Aim: Helping All Pupils Succeed in Maths

At Danesgate, we want every pupil to feel confident in maths. We know that being good at maths helps in everyday life and future jobs. Some of our pupils find maths difficult because they:

• Feel anxious about maths.
• Have gaps in their learning.
• Struggle with tricky maths ideas.

To help, we have started a whole-school maths pilot. This means we are changing how we teach maths to make sure every pupil gets the support they need.

We are using a clear and structured way to teach, so lessons are easy to follow. Pupils will see more visual aids, step-by-step examples, and extra support where needed. Our aim is to build a maths programme that works for everyone and lasts for years to come.

What We Have Done So Far

Step 1: Checking What We Need to Improve

• We looked at how maths was being taught and where we could do better.
• Staff took part in training to learn new ways to teach maths.
• We found ways to help pupils feel more confident and enjoy maths lessons.

Step 2: Changing How We Teach Maths
Maths lessons now have a clear structure so that pupils know what to expect. We use:

• Step-by-step teaching – Teachers explain things clearly, showing worked examples.
• Visual aids – We use representatrion like bar models, place value charts and diagrams to help understanding.
• Scaffolding – Pupils get extra help when learning new things.
• Clear links between topics – Lessons build on what pupils already know.
• Maths talk – We encourage pupils to explain their thinking in their own words.
• Fluency practice – Pupils get lots of chances to practise number facts.

We also adapt lessons to fit each pupil’s needs. Teachers check learning in every lesson and give extra help straight away.

Step 3: Checking What’s Working
We have been tracking:

• How engaged pupils are in maths – Do they enjoy lessons more?
• Confidence levels – Are pupils feeling more positive about maths?
• Progress – Are pupils improving in their maths skills?

Teachers have also shared feedback on the new teaching methods. This helps us keep improving.

Working with Experts to Improve Maths

We are working with the Maths Hub, which helps schools across the country. This gives us access to:

• Specialist maths training for teachers.
• Research-based teaching ideas.
• Support to make lasting changes in our school.

We have also invested in training for our teaching assistants. This means they can give better maths support to pupils who need extra help.

What’s Next?

We will keep making maths better by:

• Listening to staff and pupils – We will ask for feedback to see what’s working.
• Focusing on problem-solving – We will help pupils apply their maths skills in real life.
• Building fluency – We will give pupils more practice to help them remember key maths facts.
• Improving assessments – We will check learning regularly to make sure no one is left behind.
• Continuing our Maths Hub work – We will learn from experts and other schools.

This is more than just a new way of teaching maths—it’s a whole-school change. By working together, we can make sure that every pupil feels confident, enjoys maths, and succeeds.

 

Listening to Our Pupils and Staff

We will soon ask pupils and staff to share their thoughts about maths. This will help us understand:

• What is helping pupils the most.
• How confident pupils feel in maths.
• What teachers think about the new approach.

A Lasting Change for Our School

This project is helping us build a strong and supportive maths programme for all pupils. By making lessons clear, structured, and engaging, we are giving every pupil the chance to succeed in maths—now and in the future.