Saint Sebastian’s Primary

What makes Saint Sebastian’s Primary an Accredited School?

Saint Sebastian’s Primary became a Maths — No Problem! school in 2018 after recognising the need for a change in their maths programme. Inspired by the success observed at another school, they fully embraced the mastery curriculum. The approach is now deeply integrated into their school. Gone are the days of dull, repetitive lessons. Now, Saint Sebastian's classrooms buzz with excitement as students tackle mathematics challenges head-on. They're not just learning — they're thinking critically, collaborating brilliantly, and growing into confident young mathematicians.

By wholeheartedly adopting the mastery approach and implementing the Maths — No Problem! programme, Saint Sebastian’s has revolutionised their mathematics education. Their effort has significantly improved outcomes, earning recognition in their recent Ofsted inspection where maths was highlighted as "a strength of the school." At Saint Sebastian's, every child is a mathematician in the making — and that's what truly sets them apart and warrants them an Accredited School.

In their own words

Our Maths — No Problem! journey

In 2017, we recognised the need for significant improvement in our mathematics program at St. Sebastian’s. Outcomes were inconsistent and outdated teaching methods were limiting student progress. Determined to make a change, we began exploring the mastery approach to mathematics, seeking new strategies to engage and empower our students.

We were fortunate to observe the Maths — No Problem! approach in action at a school in Nottingham, where we witnessed a transformational way of teaching. The children were engaged as they collaborated on mathematical concepts, challenged each other, and used a variety of manipulatives to explore ideas. Inspired by what we saw, we knew we needed to implement this approach in our own school.

After thorough research and discussion, we decided to fully embrace the mastery approach to mathematics, with Maths — No Problem! at the heart of our transformation. This marked a turning point in our school's approach to teaching mathematics.

Maths — No Problem! in our school

Teachers shifted their focus from merely planning lessons to thoughtfully considering their delivery. Lessons became structured, progressive, and consistent, providing students with a coherent learning experience. Our teachers, empowered by comprehensive, world-class resources, gained confidence in their teaching practice.

The impact on our students has been remarkable. They have become critical thinkers who approach challenges with resilience and confidence. They work collaboratively in an inclusive environment where they can articulate their problem-solving strategies and mathematical thinking. Their maths journals have evolved into creative spaces for experimentation, allowing them to prove and explain concepts using various methods. The children now have ownership of their learning, choosing to work with concrete, pictorial, or abstract representations based on their understanding — and they can explain why.

For students who find maths challenging, we provide targeted support through resources like CPA (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract) models. Those excelling are given opportunities to explore topics in greater depth, ensuring that every student thrives. As a result, our maths outcomes have improved dramatically. Our students are now independent, confident learners who enjoy maths. Beyond our own school, we’ve also supported other schools, headteachers, and maths leads in enhancing their teaching practices, sharing our journey and success.

During our most recent Ofsted inspection, mathematics was recognised as "a strength of the school," with inspectors praising the quality of instruction, student engagement, and the overall positive attitude towards mathematics. Every child at St. Sebastian's is seen as a mathematician — and we are proud of their achievements.

School contact details:

Contact name:
Dale Palmer — Maths Lead

Address:
The St Sebastian's Church of England Primary School
High Street
Great Gonerby
Grantham
Lincolnshire
NG31 8LB

Phone number:
01476 565896

amy.parnham@gvsf.school

Visit Saint Sebastian's Primary website