At Fern House School, our core aim is to ensure every pupil develops a secure and deep understanding of fundamental mathematical skills. We achieve this through a dynamic curriculum designed to inspire mathematical thinking, foster genuine fluency, and build lasting confidence.

We identify these foundational mathematical competencies as 'sticky skills' – essential abilities that form the bedrock of our curriculum intent. Our ultimate goal is for all pupils to progress to further education or embark on a new career, equipped with the proficiency to apply these skills effectively in any context.

Our 'sticky skills' encompass the four fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), alongside critical concepts of time and money. The importance and real-world relevance of these skills are explicitly taught and continuously reinforced, not just within dedicated maths lessons but seamlessly integrated across the entire curriculum and into daily school life. For instance, pupils might be asked to tell the time at any moment during the school day, or learn about the value of money during a PSHE lesson.

To further enhance fluency and recall, pupils engage in daily mental maths activities. We also cultivate strong reasoning and the precise use of mathematical language through regular discussions centred on key mathematical questions.

Furthermore, we are committed to developing a greater depth of understanding. This is achieved by scaffolding learning through the strategic use of manipulatives and pictorial representations, which build confidence, encourage a willingness to take risks, and ultimately enhance pupils' comprehension of abstract mathematical concepts.