Mathematics equips learners with a uniquely powerful set of tools to 

understand and change the world. These tools include logical reasoning, 

problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways. 

(A curriculum for the Future, QCA, 2005)

Mathematics is a creative and highly inter-connected discipline that has been developed over centuries, providing the solution to some of history’s most intriguing problems. It is essential to everyday life, critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary in most forms of employment. A high-quality mathematics education therefore provides a foundation for understanding the world, the ability to reason mathematically, and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.

At Appleby we encourage our pupils to see mathematics as a creative subject which can stimulate moments of pleasure and wonder. We believe in an age of rapidly developing technology, confidence and an understanding of mathematical concepts are more important and better equip our pupils for their future than merely learning techniques
 

The National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all pupils:

• become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils have conceptual understanding and are able to recall and apply their knowledge rapidly and accurately to problems

• reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language

• can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

The programmes of study are organised in a distinct sequence and structured into separate domains. Pupils should make connections across mathematical ideas to develop fluency, mathematical reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated problems. Mathematics is also taught in the context of other subjects across the curriculum particularly Science, Geography, History and Computing.