Mathematics Learning at Barrs Court School

At Barrs Court School, mathematics helps pupils develop the skills they need to understand the world around them and take part in everyday life. Maths learning is practical, meaningful, and carefully adapted so that every pupil can experience success and make progress in their own way.

We focus on building confidence, independence, and real-life understanding, rather than rushing through written work or formal methods.

What Is Maths Learning?

Maths at Barrs Court School supports pupils to explore:

• Number and quantity

• Shape, space, and measure

• Time, money, and problem-solving

• Reasoning and decision-making

Learning is rooted in real-life situations such as routines, play, cooking, shopping, movement, and daily tasks. This helps maths feel relevant and useful, supporting communication, independence, and wellbeing.

How Is Maths Adapted for My Child?

Every pupil learns maths in a way that matches their individual needs and learning profile. Maths is delivered through three pathways:

• Pre-formal – sensory, experiential learning focused on engagement and early awareness

• Semi-formal – structured, practical learning with strong visual and hands-on support

• Formal – more structured learning with increasing opportunities to use symbols, numbers, and recording

Progress may be shown through engagement, interaction, confidence, independence, or functional use of skills – not just written outcomes.

How Do Pupils Learn Maths?

Maths at Barrs Court School follows a Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach:

• Concrete – pupils use real objects, equipment, and hands-on experiences

• Pictorial – learning is supported through photos, symbols, drawings, and visual models

• Abstract – where appropriate, pupils use numbers, symbols, and written methods

Pupils move flexibly between these stages. Many pupils will continue to learn successfully through concrete and pictorial experiences, and this is recognised as meaningful and valuable maths learning.

What Will My Child Experience?

Pupils may:

• Use practical equipment such as objects, Numicon, counters, or real-life materials

• Explore maths through play, movement, music, sensory activities, and outdoor learning

• Learn maths through everyday routines like snack time, tidy up, cooking, or travel

• Develop communication using speech, signing, symbols, gestures, or technology

• Build independence and confidence through real-life problem-solving

Maths lessons are structured, predictable, and supportive, helping pupils feel safe and ready to learn.

How Do Teachers Plan Maths Learning?

Teachers plan maths carefully to meet the needs of each class and individual pupil. Planning is flexible and allows staff to:

• Break learning into small, manageable steps

• Spend longer on concepts that are meaningful

• Use repetition and overlearning to support understanding

• Adapt learning based on pupil response and interest

Maths learning is always personalised and responsive.

How Is Progress Shared?

Maths learning does not rely on traditional tests or worksheets. Instead, staff focus on:

• How pupils engage and take part

• How they communicate understanding

• How their independence and confidence develop

• How they apply maths in real-life situations

Progress is shared through photos, short videos, observations, and comments using Evidence for Learning, so families can clearly see what pupils are learning and achieving.

Want to Find Out More?

You can download our full Mathematics Strategy below. This explains how maths is taught across the school, how learning is adapted for different pathways, and how we support every pupil to develop confidence, understanding, and independence in mathematics.