White Rose Maths is a comprehensive scheme of work implemented in our primary school. Originally developed in the UK, this approach aligns seamlessly with the EU curriculum, ensuring consistency and quality in mathematics education. White Rose Maths champions the concept of “mastery” in mathematics, viewing it as an ongoing journey. Each grade level builds on a logical progression of skills, ensuring that students’ diverse needs are met and that they gain a deep understanding of the concepts being taught.
The program emphasizes not only the ability to solve problems but also the importance of understanding the “why” and “how” behind the solutions. This ensures that students can apply their mathematical skills effectively in real-world contexts. White Rose Maths equips students with both the foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills required to excel in mathematics, ensuring that they are not just proficient but also fluent in applying math in everyday life.
Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) Approach
A key feature of White Rose Maths is the CPA approach, which fosters “mastery” by enabling students to build a deep, conceptual understanding of mathematics. This method is delivered in three stages:
- Concrete Stage:
The learning journey begins with hands-on exploration. Students use physical manipulatives to explore and solve mathematical problems. This hands-on experience accommodates different learning styles and lays a strong foundation for understanding. - Pictorial Stage:
Once students are confident with the concrete stage, they transition to the pictorial stage. Here, they represent mathematical concepts visually, either through teacher-provided illustrations or by drawing their own representations. This stage helps bridge the gap between hands-on learning and abstract thinking, preparing students for scenarios where manipulatives may not be available. - Abstract Stage:
In the final stage, students engage in mental math and symbolic reasoning, solving problems using only numbers and symbols. This stage often involves word problems, which challenge students to apply their mathematical knowledge in more complex and real-life situations.
By progressing through these stages, students develop a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts, equipping them with the confidence and competence needed for long-term success.