"Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." - Albert Einstein

At Ledbury Primary School, we believe that mathematics is key to helping children make sense of the world around them. We are committed to developing confident, curious learners who can apply their mathematical skills across the curriculum and in real-life situations. Our aim is for every child to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, confidence with numbers, and a positive attitude towards problem solving. Through engaging lessons, hands-on activities and real-life contexts, we help pupils become fluent in the fundamentals of maths and to reason and solve problems with increasing sophistication. On this page, you’ll find details about our curriculum, resources for home learning, and the ways we celebrate maths across the school.

Our Approach to Teaching Mathematics

At Ledbury Primary School, our mathematics teaching is carefully structured to build strong foundations and a deep understanding of number from the earliest stages.

In EYFS, our focus is developing a secure sense of number through exploration, play and practical activities. Children learn to count, compare quantities, recognise patterns, and use mathematical language in meaningful contexts. Opportunities to explore maths are woven into both adult-led and child-initiated learning.

In Key Stage 1, we build upon these early experiences to develop children's fluency with number facts and their understanding of place value. Children begin to apply their skills to solve problems and explain their reasoning. Our teaching is guided by White Rose Maths schemes of learning, which provide small, carefully sequenced steps to support deep understanding. We use the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach throughout, ensuring the children have the chance to manipulate objects, represent their thinking with pictures, and use formal methods confidently.

In Key Stage 2, children deepen their understanding of key mathematical concepts and develop greater independence in applying their knowledge. At this stage, children are encouraged to think like mathematicians - explaining their reasoning, solving increasingly complex problems, and making connections. Children use practical equipment, diagrams and visual models to deepen their understanding before moving on to more abstract representations and formal written methods. This ensures that concepts are not just memorised, but understood and applies confidently in a range of contexts.

Times Tables at Ledbury Primary School

At Ledbury Primary School, we recognise that fluent recall of times tables is a key foundation for success in mathematics. Knowing multiplication facts by heart frees up brain space, allowing children to focus on solving more complex problems with confidence and efficiency. It also underpins key areas of maths such as fractions, division, and ratio, particularly in Upper Key Stage 2.

We follow a structured and inclusive approach using the Number Sense Maths Times Tables programme, which prioritises deep understanding and steady progress. Rather than rushing through the tables, we focus on memorising 36 essential multiplication facts up to 9 × 9, using frequent repetition and sound patterns—much like learning song lyrics. Daily 10-minute sessions help children practise a small number of facts at a time while revisiting previous ones, ensuring fluency and retention.

Each child works through their own booklet and aims to recall 40 facts in 2 minutes. Facts are then chanted together to reinforce memory. We use classroom displays, personal targets, and fact families (e.g. 7 × 5 = 35, 5 × 7 = 35, 35 ÷ 5 = 7) to help children understand and manipulate multiplication and division facts confidently.

Our curriculum introduces facts gradually across Years 2 to 4, with children building on what they know. By Year 4, they will have mastered all key facts and be ready for the statutory Multiplication Tables Check. For children who need extra support, we intervene early with tailored strategies to ensure no child is left behind.

We also encourage parents to support their child’s learning at home by practising target facts, celebrating progress, and engaging in times tables games and chants. One fun and motivating tool we use is Times Tables Rock Stars—an engaging online platform where children can practise recall at speed and compete in friendly challenges. Children’s effort and progress, both in school and at home, are regularly recognised and celebrated in class and whole-school assemblies, helping to build confidence, motivation and a love for learning maths. With consistency at school and home, all children can succeed in learning their times tables - and feel proud of it!

Times Table Rock Star Day

Times Table Rock Star Day is one of the highlights of our maths calendar at Ledbury Primary School. Children and staff come dressed as rock stars and take part in a full day of fun, fast-paced multiplication challenges. This year, Times Table Rock Star Day had an extra special purpose at Ledbury Primary School, as we dressed up and competed in aid of the NSPCC. The day includes live battles between classes, group competitions, and individual speed tests, all using the Times Tables Rock Stars platform. It’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate effort and progress, boost fluency, and make times tables practice exciting and memorable for everyone involved.