Mathematics underpins so many areas of life, from everyday tasks to more specialised fields like engineering, finance and scientific research. Children who develop a solid grasp of numbers and problem-solving strategies from a young age gain not only an academic advantage, but also the confidence to tackle real-life challenges. At LEH Foshan Prep School, we place significant emphasis on helping students build and strengthen their mathematical foundations so they can flourish both in school and beyond.
In this article, we invite Ms Babb, Prep Teacher and Mathematic Subject Lead at LEH Foshan Prep School to share our approach to mathematics.
Ms Babb is an enthusiastic and reflective educator with over 7 years of experience teaching in Key Stages 1 and 2, primarily in Years 4 to 6, in the UK, Kuwait and Myanmar. Before joining LEH Foshan, she was a KS2 Teacher at a British school in Myanmar where she also served as the Maths Learning Lead. In this role, she successfully introduced mastery maths teaching throughout the Prep School and assisted in delivering whole-school STEM challenges. Ms Babb holds a Master of Arts in English Language from the University of Glasgow and a PGCE in Primary Education with QTS from the University of Cumbria.
Our goal at LEH Foshan Prep School is for all children to enjoy mathematics and have a secure, deep understanding of important mathematical ideas. We believe that if we are successful, the children can use what they learn in Prep school, not just in school, but in many different situations throughout their lives.
To develop a growth mindset and positive attitude towards mathematics
To become confident and fluent with numbers
To become problem solvers and creative thinkers
To develop their reasoning and critical thinking skills
To develop their use of mathematical language
To become independent learners and to work cooperatively with others
To be able to use mathematics in real-life contexts
From Year 2 to Year 6, students follow a structured curriculum based on the English National Curriculum and progression that lays vital foundations for secondary education:
Year 2:
Strengthening counting, place value, and fundamental operations (addition and subtraction), while introducing multiplication, division, and basic shapes.
Year 3:
Expanding times tables knowledge and measurement skills, exploring fractions, and beginning to interpret data in simple charts and graphs.
Year 4:
Mastering larger-number calculations, investigating area and perimeter, and refining data interpretation in more complex scenarios.
Year 5:
Tackling fractions, decimals, and percentages in multi-step problems. Students start to see how maths skills enhance other subjects, like Science or Geography.
Year 6:
Deepening algebraic thinking, ratio, and proportion, preparing students for the transition to secondary-level Maths and beyond.
In line with the English National Curriculum, we use the White Rose Mathematics scheme as a tool to help deepen learning. The scheme organises key topics into manageable blocks to ensure depth of learning. By dedicating time to each concept—such as number bonds, fractions, and measurement—students gain not just procedural know-how but also a robust understanding of how each idea fits into the wider mathematical picture.
Key Features of White Rose Mathematics:
Unit Blocking:
Topics are broken into sequential units for deeper exploration.
Small-Step Progression:
Each lesson builds on the last, preventing gaps in knowledge and boosting retention.
Emphasis on Number Sense:
Students repeatedly practise working with numbers and operations, reflecting the way we use mathematics in the real world.
The CPA approach - the development of conceptual understanding, processes and methods through Concrete and Pictorial representations, alongside and/or prior to Abstract methods.
Concrete:
Students handle physical objects (like counters or cubes) to explore concepts in a hands-on way.
Pictorial:
Visual representations—such as bar models, number lines, or diagrams—help students transition between concrete materials and abstract symbols.
Abstract:
Finally, students demonstrate understanding using digits and symbols, solving equations and expressing ideas purely through mathematical notation.
This step-by-step method cements learning at every stage, ensuring genuine comprehension rather than rote memorisation.
We believe that mathematics is most engaging and meaningful when it is woven into wider themes and real-world contexts. By linking core concepts—such as measurement, data analysis, and geometry—to other subjects such as Science, Humanities, or the Arts through our thematic approach, students see first-hand how numbers help them explore, understand, and solve problems in daily life. By consistently showing how mathematics connects to tangible, real-world scenarios, our thematic approach nurtures enthusiastic, self-reliant learners who embrace every new challenge with confidence and curiosity.
When studying Ancient Greece, students explore geometry by examining the architectural features of famous structures like the Parthenon. They analyse shapes, angles, and symmetry, then apply their understanding of position and direction to design their own Greek-inspired floorplans.
Roald Dahl Maths Challenge
Linking literature with math, this challenge transforms a beloved literary world into a dynamic adventure where students solve real-life problems inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories, reinforcing both math and literacy skills.
Precise language is integral to our mathematics lessons. As an international school, we understand that our students come from diverse cultural backgrounds and have varying levels of English language proficiency. To support all learners, our teachers introduce key terminology at the start of each lesson and model “stem sentences” that students can use to articulate their reasoning. By prioritising clear mathematical vocabulary, we empower students to communicate and justify their methods with confidence and accuracy.
Parents play a pivotal role in reinforcing what students learn at school. Here are a few ways to help:
Engage with Online Tools:
Resources like Times Tables Rockstars, Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize, and NRICH provide fun, targeted practice.
Practice Real-Life Mathematics:
Encourage your child to explore ideas like fractions when sharing snacks or estimating costs on a shopping trip.
Ask ‘How?’ and ‘Why?’:
When your child encounters a problem, prompt them to explain their reasoning instead of just giving the answer. This helps deepen their understanding.
Use Simple Resources:
Everyday items such as coins, dice, or sweets can illustrate topics like counting, grouping, or probability in a hands-on way.
At LEH Foshan Prep School, we believe every child can find joy in mathematics while developing the skills essential for a bright future. By encouraging curiosity, celebrating resilience, and highlighting the practical power of numbers, we nurture confident, independent problem-solvers. Our goal is to spark a lifelong fascination with mathematics—one that transcends the classroom and equips our students to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.
