Blackpool Skills Academy

Mathematics Foundation Curriculum

A 39-week spiral curriculum providing targeted numeracy support and a clear bridge into the main Mathematics curriculum.

Number Fluency Calculations Problem Solving Real-Life Mathematics Independence

Additional numeracy support

Building secure foundations through place value

Some students join Blackpool Skills Academy with gaps in the early mathematical knowledge needed to calculate confidently and solve everyday problems.

One of the most important foundation concepts is place value. Students need to understand that the position of a digit determines its value before they can confidently work with larger numbers, calculations, decimals and money.

Our Foundation Mathematics curriculum revisits these essential concepts regularly in short one-to-one sessions, helping students develop accuracy, confidence and independence to help their progress in the main Mathematics curriculum.

Watch the video for an introduction to place value and how the position of each digit changes its value.

01

Our curriculum model

Targeted support from each student’s starting point

Closing significant numeracy gaps

This curriculum is designed for students who are not yet able to access the main Mathematics curriculum because of significant gaps in numeracy.

Students progress through stages according to assessment and demonstrated understanding rather than age or year group.

The programme provides a structured bridge into the academy’s Stage 1–5 Mathematics curriculum.

Number Fluency
Calculation Accuracy
Mathematical Vocabulary
Problem Solving
Independence
Real-Life Application

Progression is achieved through increasingly secure number knowledge, more accurate calculation, greater independence and the ability to apply mathematics in practical situations.

02

The learning journey

Progression Through Stages

A

Stage A

Recognise

Recognise basic numbers, symbols, amounts and mathematical patterns.

Supported learning
B

Stage B

Calculate

Complete straightforward calculations using guided methods and practice.

Guided practice
C

Stage C

Apply

Use mathematical knowledge independently in familiar problems and situations.

Independent practice
D

Stage D

Solve

Use reasoning and multi-step methods to solve increasingly complex problems.

Mathematical reasoning
E

Stage E

Work Independently

Apply functional mathematics confidently in everyday, curriculum and workplace contexts.

Curriculum readiness
03

The 39-week programme

Curriculum Overview

Autumn 1

Number Foundations

Weeks 1–6
Week Topic Stage A Stage B Stage C Stage D Stage E
1 Baseline Assessment Initial assessment Initial assessment Initial assessment Initial assessment Initial assessment
2 Counting and Number Recognition Recognise numbers Count accurately Compare numbers Order numbers Apply number knowledge
3 Place Value Tens and ones Hundreds Thousands Compare values Apply place value
4 Number Sequences Continue patterns Identify missing numbers Create sequences Explain patterns Apply patterns
5 Comparing Numbers Bigger and smaller Order numbers Use symbols Explain comparisons Apply comparisons
6 Number Fluency Rapid recall Mental calculations Apply strategies Solve problems Independent fluency

Autumn 2

Calculation Foundations

Weeks 7–13
Week Topic Stage A Stage B Stage C Stage D Stage E
7 Addition Count on Add numbers Written methods Multi-step problems Functional application
8 Subtraction Count back Subtract numbers Written methods Multi-step problems Functional application
9 Multiplication Repeated addition Times tables Multiplication methods Problem solving Functional application
10 Division Sharing equally Division facts Written methods Problem solving Functional application
11 Four Operations Identify operation Calculate Select methods Multi-step calculations Real-life problems
12 Mental Maths Strategies Number bonds Mental calculations Efficient methods Problem solving Independent calculation
13 Numeracy Assessment and Progress Review Assessment of number recognition, place value, calculation methods and developing fluency.

Spring 1

Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

Weeks 14–19
Week Topic Stage A Stage B Stage C Stage D Stage E
14 Understanding Fractions Recognise fractions Compare fractions Equivalent fractions Calculate fractions Apply fractions
15 Fractions in Everyday Life Identify fractions Use fractions Solve problems Explain answers Functional use
16 Decimals Recognise decimals Read decimals Compare decimals Calculate decimals Apply decimals
17 Money and Decimals Recognise money Calculate totals Calculate change Budgeting Financial application
18 Percentages Understand percentages Find simple percentages Calculate percentages Solve problems Functional use
19 Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Connections Recognise links Convert forms Solve problems Explain relationships Apply confidently

Spring 2

Measures and Time

Weeks 20–26
Week Topic Stage A Stage B Stage C Stage D Stage E
20 Length and Distance Measure objects Compare measures Convert units Solve problems Apply in context
21 Mass and Weight Read scales Compare weights Convert units Solve problems Apply in context
22 Capacity and Volume Measure capacity Compare amounts Convert units Solve problems Apply in context
23 Time Read clocks Tell time Calculate duration Solve problems Apply in context
24 Money and Budgeting Recognise coins Calculate costs Compare prices Create budgets Financial planning
25 Practical Measuring Project Supported measuring Guided measuring Independent measuring Multi-step project Workplace application
26 Numeracy Assessment and Progress Review Assessment of fractions, decimals, percentages, measures, time and practical application.

Summer 1

Geometry and Data

Weeks 27–32
Week Topic Stage A Stage B Stage C Stage D Stage E
27 Shapes Recognise shapes Describe shapes Compare shapes Explain properties Apply knowledge
28 Position and Direction Follow directions Use coordinates Interpret positions Solve problems Apply in context
29 Perimeter and Area Measure lengths Calculate perimeter Calculate area Solve problems Apply practically
30 Collecting Data Gather data Record data Organise data Interpret data Evaluate data
31 Tables and Charts Read tables Create tables Create charts Interpret charts Evaluate information
32 Mathematical Vocabulary Recognise terms Explain terms Use accurately Apply confidently Communicate mathematically

Summer 2

Functional Numeracy

Weeks 33–39
Week Topic Stage A Stage B Stage C Stage D Stage E
33 Numeracy for Shopping Recognise prices Compare prices Calculate totals Budget purchases Evaluate value
34 Numeracy for Work Measure accurately Read instructions Calculate quantities Solve workplace problems Independent application
35 Numeracy for Construction Measure materials Calculate quantities Estimate costs Solve practical problems Workplace readiness
36 Numeracy for Catering Measure ingredients Scale recipes Calculate costs Solve practical problems Workplace readiness
37 Independent Numeracy Project Supported project Guided project Independent project Extended project Leadership project
38 Transition Assessment Numeracy assessment Numeracy assessment Numeracy assessment Numeracy assessment Numeracy assessment
39 Final Assessment and Transition Planning Final assessment, progress review and planning for the next stage of Mathematics learning.
04

What successful progress looks like

Exit Expectations

A

Stage A

  • Count confidently
  • Recognise numbers and basic mathematical symbols
  • Complete simple calculations with support
B

Stage B

  • Use the four operations with confidence
  • Read time and money accurately
  • Solve straightforward calculations
C

Stage C

  • Apply numeracy skills independently
  • Use fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Solve everyday mathematical problems
D

Stage D

  • Apply mathematical reasoning
  • Solve multi-step problems
  • Use mathematics in practical situations
E

Stage E

  • Access the Stage 1–5 Mathematics curriculum successfully
  • Demonstrate readiness for Functional Skills and GCSE pathways
  • Apply mathematics independently in everyday and workplace contexts

The purpose of the programme

Curriculum Intent

The Mathematics Foundation Curriculum provides targeted support for students with significant gaps in numeracy.

Through a structured spiral curriculum, students develop the number fluency, calculation skills, mathematical vocabulary and problem-solving abilities required to access the wider curriculum.

Students revisit essential mathematical concepts regularly while the level of calculation, reasoning, independence and real-life application increases over time.

The programme ensures that all students, regardless of starting point, can make accelerated progress towards mathematical confidence, successful learning, Functional Skills, the main Mathematics curriculum and future employability.